I went out to the gun show this weekend hoping to sell my M1927A1 Thompson and possibly my S&W 640. It turned out to be a wonderful idea!
I figured it would take me hours to get someone to buy my Thompson and I dreaded the thought of lugging it around half the day. As it turns out, I made it exactly 10 steps past the entrance before someone stopped me and asked me what I was carrying. I'd had the foresight to make a sign, but apparently it was lost on the guy, so I explained. He told me he didn't have any money, but asked if I would be interested in a trade. I was pretty sure he didn't have anything I wanted, but I decided to humor him. I was very surprised when he pulled a brand new Springfield EMP 40 out of the case, complete with all the goodies! He asked to make an even swap and after half a heartbeat, I agreed!
Now, it would have been better if the EMP had been in 9mm (I got rid of all my .40s years ago) but I think an EMP is a pretty awesome gun no matter what the caliber. As it happens, I never got rid of my .40 dies, so picking up this gun wasn't a big deal for me logistically.
I was feeling pretty good after that transaction, but I knew my 640 would be a bit tougher sell since it shows quite a bit more wear. My end goal in selling the 640 was to pick up a 9mm revolver, ideally a Ruger LCR or Taurus 905. I found a dealer with an LCR-9 on his table and he offered to trade my 640 for the LCR plus $100 on my end - not terribly great. By the time I got to the back of the show I found one more dealer with an LCR-9 and he ended up offering to make an even trade.
Long story short, I ended up picking up two brand new (nice) guns for two used ones and didn't have to spend a dime! I'm still feeling pretty good about it. I was so happy I forgot all about the air rifle I was also trying to sell.
I figured it would take me hours to get someone to buy my Thompson and I dreaded the thought of lugging it around half the day. As it turns out, I made it exactly 10 steps past the entrance before someone stopped me and asked me what I was carrying. I'd had the foresight to make a sign, but apparently it was lost on the guy, so I explained. He told me he didn't have any money, but asked if I would be interested in a trade. I was pretty sure he didn't have anything I wanted, but I decided to humor him. I was very surprised when he pulled a brand new Springfield EMP 40 out of the case, complete with all the goodies! He asked to make an even swap and after half a heartbeat, I agreed!
Now, it would have been better if the EMP had been in 9mm (I got rid of all my .40s years ago) but I think an EMP is a pretty awesome gun no matter what the caliber. As it happens, I never got rid of my .40 dies, so picking up this gun wasn't a big deal for me logistically.
I was feeling pretty good after that transaction, but I knew my 640 would be a bit tougher sell since it shows quite a bit more wear. My end goal in selling the 640 was to pick up a 9mm revolver, ideally a Ruger LCR or Taurus 905. I found a dealer with an LCR-9 on his table and he offered to trade my 640 for the LCR plus $100 on my end - not terribly great. By the time I got to the back of the show I found one more dealer with an LCR-9 and he ended up offering to make an even trade.
Long story short, I ended up picking up two brand new (nice) guns for two used ones and didn't have to spend a dime! I'm still feeling pretty good about it. I was so happy I forgot all about the air rifle I was also trying to sell.