Brian;
I agree completely, but the problem is the general lack of knowledge on old guns anymore, it should be a requirement that the staff have some minimal knowledge of collectables, but the department hours need to be covered, and doubles are just old to many people, you can't even get a black stock for one.
that Sauer I posted in Harold's 16 gauge thread was traded in at a box store, the young man had inherited it and wanted to trade it for an 11-87 Remington. The guy behind the counter pulled out the bluebook and looked at the early West German Sauers and offered the kid very little for it. I stuck my nose in and said that was not what that gun was. He said he knew what he was doing, the kid was happy with a down payment on the auto. I told the clerk to put a price on it, he gave it their normal mark up, and I bought it on the spot.
every one ( most especially me) was happy with the deal, what more can you want.