Calgary Easter show - scouting report

I agree with mbogo3 and AlbertaSheepdog. A lot of the same old guys asking inflated prices for used firearms that you can pick up new at wholesale Sports or Cabellas for the same price brand spanking new. P&D was there from Edmonton with a huge inventory moving a lot of stuff. They are still my favourite gun shop in Edmonton with experienced staff. I picked up some second run Partitions for that good old $25.00 for 50 price. Great bullets dirt cheap.
 
My friend picked up a nice South African 96 Mauser. Had very nice carved initials of the Boer owner on the stock.

Ahhhh.... I saw that but had no time to examine closely B-prefix serial number. He needs to send photos to Dave George for his book, Carvings From the Veldt. He's working on his third edition.
 
Snuck one pick... I was sorely tempted by this, my dad and I had been talking about them about a week before:

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500 round brick, still sealed, $175.

The more I think about it, the more I think I should have sucked it up and bought them for the cabinet.
 
I was there with a display. I saw a lot of Enfields and Ross rifles - more than I have seen in a long time. Also a lot of P14 and Model 1917s.

No real big case lots of Russian stuff really (at least that I saw). Seemed that the SVT-40s have moved up a bit in proce from what I recollect. Refurb SKS's were available at the $180 price and there was some 7.62*39 crated for as low as $180 as well

My buddy sold his 1908 Model 94 SR Winchester for $575. I damn near bought that one myself.

I picked up a 1910 Ross, a M1917 Canadian marked bayo, and a 76mm tank case etched by some guy in the Alberta Armoured Car Regiment (compliments of Wayne Kline).

Had I brought more cash I could easily have spent $5,000+ Fortunately the bank machines there run out of money super early. Regrets (I always have some) are:

- not picking up a Browning trombone I saw
- not picking up a BAR in 7mm.
- not being able to go through all the tables in detail!

Some of the bigger militaria dealers always make this show so it is good to check in with them. Saw Brent from Command Post, Wayne Kline, John Denner to name a few.

Ammosupply (thanks for the freebee targets Kate) , P&D, Milarm, Wolverine was there too.

I always love watching the mad dash to clear out at the end of this show. Cars everywhere and everyone in a rush. I figure I got a long drive home so usually hang out, have a smoke, and watch the circus.

 
Ahhhh.... I saw that but had no time to examine closely B-prefix serial number. He needs to send photos to Dave George for his book, Carvings From the Veldt. He's working on his third edition.

I'll let him know. There is a photo of one of his other guns in Ball's book about the Mauser. It is a Cuban with a capture certificate on the stock. I guess it's the only known example left.

Auggie D.
 
I always love watching the mad dash to clear out at the end of this show. Cars everywhere and everyone in a rush. I figure I got a long drive home so usually hang out, have a smoke, and watch the circus.

Between myself and my two friends, we have 4 tables. We drive from Manitoba with a Jeep trailer containing most of the stuff we are selling, the remainder being in the back of the truck. When we get in to the building, we remove one of the tables, and replace it with the Jeep trailer. Once it is emptied, with the plywood top back onto the trailer, we throw a table cloth on it just like any of the other tables and place guns etc on top for sale. Most people don't even realize it is a trailer. I had the M2HB dewat on it this show along with a bunch of miscellaneous barrels etc.

At the end of the show, we throw what we have left into the trailer, put the top back on, and push it outside where we hook back onto the truck. We were out of there just as the first truck was making it in. The rush on our part is quite necessary, as we like to make it to Swift current that night, and back to Manitoba the next day.
 
It followed me home... It looked lonely surrounded by a bunch of sporterized beaters. It will fit nicely with it's old allies, comrades, and even enemy brothers in arms in my cabinet, ageing gracefully as all old soldiers should.

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Lovely, hope you got a good deal as well..
 
Lovely, hope you got a good deal as well..

Thanks.

I have trouble associating the words "good deal" with anything close to the current Enfield pricing. I would call it a "price I could live with given the current market."

It has good strong rifling (not sure if many here "get" the bullet point test on the end of the bore), so hopefully it should be a good shooter.
 
Taking pics at a gun show is mostly frowned upon.

There was a nice face plam laughing moment after a man was told to not be taking pictures and to erase them, he simply said (in broken engrish) 'yes, yes, ok', and continued to photograph the articles of interest with many people in the background. The vendor did ask him to move from the table and not return... "o but why", "because you are inappropriately photographing".

Though, there were plenty of people who asked permission from a vendor to photograph a certain article - discretely and specifically that article which seemed to not be denied.
 
Things will change in 2016 at Gunshows as I invented the Hidden iPhone Stetson and Ball Cap Camera, and the Belt Buckle Cam!

There was a nice face plam laughing moment after a man was told to not be taking pictures and to erase them, he simply said (in broken engrish) 'yes, yes, ok', and continued to photograph the articles of interest with many people in the background. The vendor did ask him to move from the table and not return... "o but why", "because you are inappropriately photographing".

Though, there were plenty of people who asked permission from a vendor to photograph a certain article - discretely and specifically that article which seemed to not be denied.
 
My friend picked up a nice South African 96 Mauser. Had very nice carved initials of the Boer owner on the stock.

Auggie D.

Funny thing about that rifle, I have been looking at that rifle for 3 years, and thought about buying it many times from my friend oh had it, but couldn't justify it. It isn't American and it didn't belong with me, but it is a unique piece of history. But I am glad it sold. I hope your friend enjoys this piece.
 
I'm sure he will. It's his third South African. He has another rifle and a hard to find carbine, but this is the only one with the stock carving. A fellow offered to buy it from him for a premium, but he declined. He has over 100 various Mausers. He sold a nice all matching Swede. Even the cleaning rod was matching.

Auggie D.
 
I came, I saw and I walked my but off ,had a great time doing it. Friday there was a good crowd, good thing the aisles are large enough. Saturday was a little slower not so many people. All kinds of good gun stuff. Was a little disappointed that there wasn't more ammo( collector stuff) but I did blow my budget and more. Found some treasure and some stuff that I totally didn't need, bought just the same,LOL! There were many people walking around with guns, and some with backpacks( like me) over flowing/ heavy. Lots of lady's young and older ,witch is a nice change and good for all. Got to handle " play with HE!HE!! A Lewis MG. On my bucket list to shoot. And did you see the lady selling lemonade? Skill with a knife " wouldn't want to tick her off!! On the most part the vender's were nice and and patient, and a few grumps.
 
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