Gun Show: K-22 Quest

I had made the decision to buy the Model 17-4 for the asking price if necessary, and I crossed the icy bridge over the river on my return to the gunshow. I did not have to wait outside in the cold this time, as I was not determined to be among the first people through the door. The decision to pay the price for a K-22 Masterpiece was a great relief. Like asking the head cheerleader to the Friday night dance, three quarters of the problem is the decision to cross the bridge towards action. That decision was made this morning, and I intended to buy. $550 was a fair price, but I would offer $500 and see if I could save a bit. I found a parking spot in the slushy parking lot, bought a ticket, accepted a hand stamp, and went inside the warm building.

I avoided the lady selling raffle tickets and the guy selling eyeglass cleaner, and went directly to the West wall, where I had seen the Model 17-4, along with two Model 18s yesterday. The seller's wife was at the table, and she knew nothing about the guns. The .22 caliber revolvers were not there. I asked the lady where her husband might be, and finally found him trying to negotiate a deal on a Winchester lever action rifle from another seller. He had sold all three rimfire Smith & Wesson revolvers. My hopes for a K-22 were melted like the winter sleet turning to water outside.

I decided to stay, have some coffee, and chat with friends. Who knows what might get zip tied at the front door and come trundling through the show, and I still had cash in hand. Sadly, the weather was still frigid, and people in North Louisiana are loathe to venture out in 30 degree weather. The traffic was minimal. I dug through a beater holster box and found several beater holsters for $2 each. At the bottom of the box I found a set of pre-war S&W grips in decent shape. I asked, and the guy selling said fifteen bucks. I countered ten. He said OK. I paid my money and placed everything in a sack.

I spotted a S&W Model 10-5 with a two inch barrel, in about 90% remaining finish. The seller was wanting $225. I might have purchased it, except I found a much nicer one for $200 at the last gun show. Out of curiosity, I located the new metal and plastic M&P, and handled it. It seemed to be very slick feeling, almost like it had a coating of Armorall on it. The new M&P's asking price, in .40S&W was $529. It did not seem to be bad as plastic pistols go, and I guess I'm softening a bit on the M&P name useage. I stopped by the little I frame Smith & Wesson Model of 1903 2nd Change I had fondled the previous day. I offered the seller an even $200 out the door. He declined my offer, so I put the gun down, and moved on. The .32 Long cartridge would be tough to find anyway. It was an interesting little revolver though, kind of like a half-scale M&P. I'll have to keep my eyes open for one that's affordable.

I left this gunshow without buying a gun. I missed out on the K-22 revolver I had eventually decided to buy. I did get a couple of deals though, and and I have gun money to stash away until next time. That's a good thing.