Chantilly VA Gun Show Sept. 26, 27, 28

[Bill Zachow]

This year's Syracuse show was suprisingly good from what I had come to expect. While there were a fair amount of black guns and military surplus items, a large number of classic Winchester rifles were scattered throughout the show. I have recently gone back to one of my earlier collecting interests--Winchester .22 from the late 1800 to 1963. Suprisingly, there were a number of 1890s, 62s, 63s, 67s and 69s there. Not cheap but there and in nice condition. There were more than a few Parkers, also. The best deal of the show was a miss-labeled steel barreled PH that was tagged as a Trojan for $1,100. Just as I spotted it, a dealer picked it up and said he would take it without quibbleing about the price. The gun had a lot of finish and was easily worth $2500 or more. After the deal was done, I asked the seller how he had arrived at his price. He said he used the internet and $1,100 was an average selling price for Trojans. I told him he was probably right for Trojan pricing but his gun was 2 grades above a Trojan. Wish I had got to the table a minute earlier.

[Bill Murphy]

There are many shows that are worth attending if you are within 100 miles of the show. Most of us are counting those shows on fewer fingers. From my house, I include Baltimore, only one time a year and 49 miles, or Allentown, maybe four times a year and 180 miles. Nothing to the South and only mountains and trees to the West until you get to Ohio Gun Collectors. It's the Side by Side shoots or nothing for me.