Thursday, September 26, 2013

Gun Dealing

I mentioned a few days ago I was long over due to go over and aggravate my good friend Stephen, as many of you know he is always wheeling and dealing in firearms he comes across, well yesterday was my turn.
As I walked in the door I noticed he was preoccupied with another customer and as I glanced around I noticed he had a note tacked on the wall for some guns he had for sale, 2 in particular caught my attention, one a British made 30-06 and a Remington 7mm 08 both of which were bolt action rifles.
I did some quick math in my head and the total price for both was just under $700 which on the surface is not a bad deal but a little high for me considering I know how he operates and I figured he had about $100 in each gun.
After some casual greetings I wandered in the back and drained the last cup of coffee from the pot and pulled up a chair and cooled my heels.
After the last remaining customer left we talked about the events of the last few weeks and finally I mentioned the rifles, "make me an offer" he said, I didn't answer but remained silent. When I did speak it was about the availability of ammo and other general gun related issues.
After a while Stephen walked around and pulled the two rifles out of a cabinet and leaned them against the wall next to me, "take 'em with you he said, make me an offer" I did not speak but instead picked up one and then the other inspecting them closely. The older gun was a BSA, imported from England in the 50's and is a fine made, smooth operating 30-06. The other is like new condition (I could not tell it had been fired) stainless Remington in 7mm 08
I mentioned I did not need any more guns but he seemed determined to make a sale.
As I stood up to leave I threw out a number " I'll give you $300 for both"..............He hesitated a second, "load 'em up" is all he said. (trust me folks, he still made money)

19 comments:

  1. Hey, don't give away all my secrets....you'll have those silly government boys all over my six.

    You should have seen the smile on your face...priceless. And, those are personal friend prices.

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    1. Stephen, I know you give me a good deal my friend, at least they can't lock us up for horse trading' yet. Thanks.
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  2. Sounds like you made a good deal, Duke. Nice!

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    1. Rev Paul, we deal a lot, back and forth so the last chapter has not been written yet.

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  3. "Win" on the BSA. I'd love me one of those. You did good.

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    1. Murphy, I think so, I might try it out this weekend so we will see. Thanks.

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  4. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place since I'm crazy about you both. I want to jump up and down for your shrewdness, and yet here's poor Stephen with all that new furniture arriving....carpets needing cleaned...my book he purchased...

    AND you drank the last of his coffee..

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    1. Lotta Joy, Trust me my friend I can't make Stephen do anything he is not totally happy with, he wanted to make me a good deal and I appreciate it.
      We both like to trade and I know in the back of his mind he has his eye on something I have.
      As far as the coffee goes......he just needs a bigger pot, $300 should get him a really good one.

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  5. Good friends help good friends. How long have you two known each other??

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    1. Rob, I loose track of the years but long enough to know which buttons to push.

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  6. He's been doing that horse trading for awhile, so I expect you got a good deal and he may not have made a lot of money but he got enjoyment out of the trade.

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    1. Harry, He has been at it a while and we both enjoy trading so like they say "what goes around comes around"

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  7. Duke,

    Now that's a true friend. Enjoy your guns :-)

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    1. Sandy, what can I say, he loves me. Thanks.

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  8. Ah, okay...but I felt so used...as I drove home my lip quivered and my eyes grew moisture. Not sure I can continue living in such an abused state of mind....

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    1. Stephen, now you're making me feel bad, wait a sec......I think I'm over it.

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    2. LOL, the two of you are something else, and throw in Senior... Shudder... :-D

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  9. Was that 7-08 a Remington Model 7 ? If so, an especially sweet rifle, my wife loves her little carbine. Uncommon round (undeserved - its great), but its a nice little carry carbine.

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    1. Anon, it is a Seven, and it does shoot great, actually most big sporting goods stores have a good range and choice of ammo. I went to Academy Sports and they had about 10 different brands and loads available.

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