Years of gun collecting has netted some incredible scores - right time, right place.
The following were good finds in the last 3 years. (Looking back past three years, it's crazy and interesting to see how the value of the dollar and the price of guns has fluctuated so dramatically, due to inflation and the gun crazes of 2009 and 2013).
The best is perhaps when I traded an average Mak90 AK47 with black plastic furniture (probably worth $600) for a LNIB stainless Springfield TRP 1911, worth $1400, at a gun show.
Also purchased a Beretta .380 model 85 Pietro for $50 from a girlfriend because she didn't care for it.
Traded a SW .38 model 64 for a HK USP worth twice as much.
Bought an original Springfield 1903 for $475, in very good condition.
Picked up a LNIB Springfield XDM for $300 from owner that didn't like it.
Home defense Mossberg 500 12 gauge for $160.
Stainless Ruger Security Six 4" for $380.
Home defense Maverick 12 gauge for $115.
DSA FAL in beautiful condition, with 22 magazines. $1200.
Loads of surplus guns at about 1/2 of what they cost today.
Loaded Springfield M1A, match barrel, VLTOR rail, bipod, 5 mags, AND 4000 rounds of .308 for... $2400.
Years of buying ammo at 1/2 of where it's at today.