Pawn Shop Circuit: If the Price is not Right.......

I strolled into Neil's pawn shop today, and I found the usual firearms underneath the glass. Nothing special. We talked a bit about concealed carry classes. Neil was up for a renewal, and he wanted to go to a class that had a more authorative legal session. I recommended a local class that the DA assists with on Saturdays. It's hard to get much more authorative than that.

I looked over the jewelry for Mother's Day and we talked some more. Finally, we drifted back to the guns and I noticed that what I thought was the same old Charter Arms Undercover was not. In Neil's case was a Smith & Wesson Model 30, with a pinned barrel and a battered finish. I asked to see it.

The little 32 Long revolver locked up nicely, and appeared to have been a purse gun or a pocket gun for a long time. Whoever owned it did not believe in holsters though. The finish was comprised more of bare metal and rust than blue. Neil had it priced at $219.

"How much?" I asked.

"For you, $200." Neil started, as he shifted his cigar to the other side of his mouth.

"I don't know," I said. "It's a 32, and I don't shoot that. Plus, I pretty much quit buying guns."

"You have been pretty much a stranger," Neil responded. "How about $175?"

"Let me think about it." I countered, and Neil placed the revolver back in the case.

"I think I got into that one for too much," said Neil.

"Yeah, probably so. I don't have that luxury though," I countered.

"Hey, let my show you this one from the back," said Neil, and he disappeared behind the office door. When he returned he had a familiar blue box in his hands. He opened it to reveal a pinned Model 15 with diamond grips. "What year do you think this is?"

"Probably right at 1957-58," I replied. "Is it coming out?" The box matched the gun, but somebody had written 1973 inside the lid.

"Not yet. Want me to call you when it does?"

I looked the gun over. It was laying on a rag in the box without the tools. It was a four screw gun. It had just enough wear at the muzzle and yoke to take it out of collector status for most people, but not enough on the cylinder to put it firmly into the shooter category for me. "Sure, dial me up when it's available," I replied. "I'll be interested for the right price."

"I think I might be able to do that on this one," said Neil.

"Good deal." We shook hands, and I left for home with a four screw Combat Masterpiece on my mind.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Bad Guns

It has been said that there are no "bad" guns. I would disagree with that. A bad gun is one that is unreliable. A bad gun is one that goes snap when it should go bang. Bad guns are the ones that don't do their job.

Today, I swung into Kenny's Pawn Shop to see what was on the shelves. He had a Smith & Wesson M&P (the new plasticky kind) a couple of Glocks, and a Springfield XD compact. Among his little guns was an Iver Johnson 25 caliber pistol that resembled a Walther PPK, and a well worn Charter Arms Undercover for $129. What grabbed my interest though was a stainless AMT pocket pistol, the AMT Back-Up. I remember years ago when these were a staple among the police. I looked it over and asked Kenny if it came with an extra magazine. It did not. One mag only.

I'm not too interested in shooting another caliber, and the pistol would not carry any easier than a J frame in my pocket, or my Colt Defender on my hip. Three-eighty is some expensive ammunition to practice with too. I got rid of my .380 pistols years ago. I am not that familiar with AMT, but I have not heard a lot of good things about them. In fact, the usual range cussing would be the opposite. Still, it was a classic back-up gun. Kenny was wanting $239 for the flat little pistol, but I decided I should do a bit of research first.

When I got home, a quick Google search revealed my suspicions. Here is a sampling from The High Road, from people I correspond with and respect:

The early guns had SERIOUS safety flaws, in that the safety was "off" after the lever had moved less than 10% of its entire length of travel.

As far as AMT goes, let me just say that during the last 40 years well over 300 guns of various makes and models have passed through my collection. Only two stand out in my mind as truly BAD guns. One was the original 380 Backup (SA) and the other was the 45 Backup (DAO). Both were such total POS that throwing them into the Atlantic Ocean could be considered environmental pollution.

If it says AMT on the slide, there's a 50/50 chance that the gun will be either trouble-free or not run at all. The AMT Backup seems to be the worst offender of the line.

At $169, that AMT 380 is about $170 over priced! If it was thrown in with a trade or came along w/ some cash, maybe! It would depend on the main gun in the trade, what I was giving up & how much cash!
AVOID IT! AVOID IT! AVOID IT!

Sorry Kenny, I won't be back after that one. Maybe the Undercover...... If the price drops.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Three Franklins

I was out taking some photographs this afternoon when I found myself near Neil's pawn shop. "Where have you been?" he asked jovially as the bell on the door handle announced my entrance. He put his newspaper down and met me at the gun counter. "I've been wondering who would come in and buy that one," he smiled as he pointed to a Model 10.

The revolver was in good shape. It was a Model 10-2, and everything was correct except for the grips. The 10-2 is a difficult Model 10 to find. It was only manufactured in 1961. I do not own one. I looked the revolver over, and it checked out good. I asked Neil the price. "Two-ninety-nine," he replied, placing his hands on the counter, his cigar clamped between his fingers.

"Damn Neil, that's a lot. I'll have to sleep on that a bit. How firm are you?"

"I just took it out of hock this morning. That's what they go for now," Neil replied, taking a puff on his stogie. "Kid, you must have a bird dog nose for Smith & Wesson. Not a Smith in my case for months, and you walk in on the day I pull this 'un out."

We chatted a bit more, and I handed the old wheelgun back to Neil. In the parking lot, I pulled my pawn and gun show price journal from between the seats of my vehicle. In it I record the prices of guns I purchase, look at, and am interested in. Even if I do not buy the gun, I record the price. My journal helps me keep a finger on the pulse of what particular guns sell for in my area. I recorded this revolver, and I looked back to March of 2009, and saw that Kenny had a Model 10 snubbie for $319. The last Model 10 I purchased was was a nickel 10-8 from Neil for $239. But I clearly recall not too long ago, when a used Model 10 priced over $200 would clearly show the seller was smoking something, and it wasn't La Palomas.

I already own several Model 10 revolvers with four inch barrels, as well as several M&Ps, and a couple of Model 10 snubbies. I really don't need a revolver simply because it has a particular number stamped on the frame. I did sleep on it though. I closed my eyes for a second at a red light. Perhaps Neil's prices had caught up with the market. Perhaps I am behind the times. Maybe it's the Obamanation. It doesn't matter, really. I just know that three Franklins will buy a lot of 45ACP.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Ammo Considerations

I've only shot the modern rendition of the Smith and Wesson M&P a couple of times, and I was impressed. To me, it seemed to be a decently designed, reliable and accurate pistol. It felt good in my hand, and the controls were instinctive. Reading about the torture test of the M&P on pistoltraining.com attested to the plastic M&P's durability. It seemed to be a good gun if a person wanted a plastic fantastic.

So when I walked into Neil's pawn shop today and saw two black polymer M&Ps among the Glocks, I was surprised and a bit interested. (There was only a S&W Model 66 and a Taurus 1911 to draw my attention elsewhere.) I quickly noted that one M&P was priced at $519 while the other was $349. The less expensive pistol did not seem to have that much wear than the other, but then I noticed..... The $519 gun was chambered in 9mm. The less expensive pistol was in 40S&W. Popularity of caliber does play a role at the used gun counter, something for any new gun purchaser and future gun trader to consider.

At Kenny's pawn shop, I noted yet another used M&P. This one, like Neil's, was priced at $350. It was chambered in .357 Sig. Curious, I drove to the big box sporting goods store nearby, to get a retail price on a new Smith & Wesson M&P. The same pistol, in 9mm as Neil had sold new for $549 plus tax. I'm pretty certain Neil was giving himself some bargaining room with favored customers. While at the big box store, I noted the new .22LR Ar style rifle being put out by S&W was also on hand, priced at a nice $449. Hmmmmmmmmm.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Tough Times

I had some time off call after cases today, and I used part of it driving around to several pawn shops looking for guns. What I found was reaffirmation of why I tapered off on the pawn shop circuit. The pickings were available, but the entry price was high. I found 9mm Glocks at each pawn shop. The cheapest one was $499. The most expensive was $579. I'm not enough of a Glock fan to distinguish between them all, but there were little ones, short ones long ones, and they were all black and polymer. Five hundred bucks and a twenty or two seems to be the going rate right now.

Neil had two Taurus 1911s, one in 45ACP for $549, and one in .38 super for $499. His rack was full of shotguns and deer rifles. He told me times are getting tough, and people are not showing back up with their pawn tickets. At Kenny's shop I found a couple of Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, and a Springfield XD. Kenny also had a full rack of deer rifles and shotguns. I noticed in each pawn shop the power tool shelves were full of tools. That's probably a fair indicator of the economy.

A new place had opened up, so I decided to check out their wares as well. They had a couple of Browning Challengers that were priced around three fifty, and a Colt WWI Reproduction tagged at $1300. Several black rifles were among the display of long guns. The lady behind the counter informed me that she would be happy to order what ever I wanted, and I guess I should have asked what she charges for a FFL transfer. I haven't ordered a firearm and paid a transfer in a couple of years now. I just haven't had the need to do so. Also on her shelves were two Colt 1911s in bright nickel, and a slew of revolvers, all new, and most of them Rossi. Seeing the pawn shop shelves fill back up, it makes me wonder what might become available in the coming months. Hopefully, a few guns more to my taste will emerge, and they will be in my price range.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Unneeded Boxes

"Hey Xavier, I've got something you might want," chortled Kenny as the cowbell announced my entrance into his pawn shop this afternoon. I strolled over to the gun case, and peered through the glass. Not much was appealing in the case, only one handgun caught my eye, and even it was pretty pedestrian. I already had a stainless four inch Smith & Wesson, actually. I have several.

"Ok, whatcha got?" I asked.

Kenny pulled four gray Ruger boxes from underneath the counter. "I found these in the backroom and I thought you might want them," explained Kenny.

Two of the plastic boxes were for Ruger revolvers, a handgun of which I own exactly zilch. The other two boxes were for Ruger semi-automatic 9mm pistols. Again, I lacked the pistol that would fit in the plastic contours. Both semi-auto boxes had a new spare 9mm magazine inside. "Three bucks each," said Kenny.

I don't have the guns to go in the boxes, but I decided that I may come across someone who does. The magazines will make decent trade fodder at the next gun show. I pulled out my wallet....

Pawn Shop Circuit: The Phi Mu Glock

I got off work early today and drove on over to Kenny's pawn shop. Kenny met me in the parking lot. "Xav, I've got something you gotta see!" he said enthusiastically.

"Another pinned Smith?" I wondered.

"Nope, better!"

Inside, Kenny pulled out a pretty green and pink Glock from the cabinet behind the jewelry cabinet and displayed it underneath the white halogen lights that make all jewelry look beautiful.

"Ooooooooo" I exclaimed, "Pink and Green, just my colors!"

"Yeah, it was brought in by a Phi Mu sorority girl, she wanted to trade it for a guitar," Kenny informed me. Back in my college days I had briefly dated a Phi Mu girl until her mother found out about it, so I was intrigued.

"What kind of deal can you give me, my friend?" I inquired of Kenny.

"Well, with the new paint on it, I would have to say $675." Kenny said.

"Does it come with a box?" I asked.

"No, but I can toss in this jewelry box," he replied. He opened up a rosewood box with mother of pearl inlay, and a plastic ballerina began dancing to the Blue Danube.

"How about $600?" I countered.

"Can't do it Xav, this here s a special edition Phi Mu Glock! Do you know how many of these there are?"

He was right. "What will you give me for this?" I asked as I unholstered and cleared my Colt Defender.

"Three hundred. It's used," replied Kenny. I just happened to have four hundred in my pocket, and the Phi Mu Glock was calling me. I tried it in the Defender's holster. It fit if you pushed hard enough on it with the heel of your hand.

"I'll take it," I replied.

I wasn't nearly as happy to see that old antiquated unreliable Colt 1911 go as I was to get some pretty pink and green Phi Mu Glock on my hip. Hell, I was so proud that I decided to open carry the rest of the day. My sweat shirt kept covering it, so I just went bare chested. Between the hair on my chest and the Glock on my hip, the streets carved an opening before me as I approached. Women were getting out of their cars at red lights to proposition me. When I got home, Ilsa had given birth to twenty black German Shepherd puppies. My buttermilk was now sweet milk. Then I checked the calendar.....

Pawn Shop Circuit:The Camera

Kenny's pawn shop was first on my list as I drove through a drizzling rain today. Kenny waved me on over as I walked in dripping from the rain. "Hey Xav, I've got one for you!" he said cheerily.

Kenny pulled a blued Model 10 snubby from underneath the counter. It was a nice pinned square butt revolver, and the action was smooth and light. I already had a blue Model 10 snub though, as well as a nickel one. Kenny had a $319 price tag hanging on the trigger guard. "Know what Kenny?" I said, "You need to get this one for yourself."

"You're not interested?"

"Well, I've already got one. They are excellent revolvers, a great CCW piece." Kenny nodded. I continued, "Where are you at on getting your permit?"

"I'm still waiting on a class," said Kenny.

I gave Kenny the phone number of a friend, and suggested he get in touch. We talked a bit more, and I excused myself to head over to Neil's shop.

I hopped over a couple of puddles to make it to Neil's door, but it was warm inside. As usual, Neil was reading the classified ads. I went straight to the gun counter. Underneath the glass was a Model 19-2. It had aftermarket thumb rest grips on it, as well as a trigger shoe. Always curious, I asked to see it. Neil removed it from the case and I checked the cylinder. Then the trigger. I was hoping for a slick trigger job, but the double action trigger was no different than any other Model 19, and not as good as some I've tried. The high points of the cylinder had thin bluing, and the muzzle was silver. At $299, I might have purchased the revolver if it had a little less finish wear and the original grips. I handed it back without a bid. "Xav, I can knock off ten percent for you," said Neil.

Two-seventy wasn't a happy price for me either. I thanked Neil and turned to leave. As I was exiting the store, I noticed a Nikon camera on the camera shelf. When I was in the Navy, I maintained my sanity with a Minolta X-700, developing film at ports all around the Pacific. When digital photography came along, I stuck to my film roots for a while, but finally went digital. Digital photography allowed me to quickly share images online, a major point, but I still craved the control of the SLR. My Minolta and all it's lenses were put away for when I knew I wanted printed images. That became less and less frequent over time.

The camera that grabbed my attention was a Nikon D-200. I really had no idea what it was or what it was worth, but Neil had a $499 tag on it. Attached to the bottom was what appeared to be a motor drive, although I didn't know why a digital camera would need such. The lens had huge, clear glass, although a couple of nicks were present on the rim. I tried to turn it on, but the batteries were dead. Instead, I committed "Nikon D-200" to memory and drove home to research it.

I liked what I saw. Nikon glass. 10.2 megapixels. Manual mode. Unlimited capabilities. I could really get back into photography again. I read some more, and all the reviews were positive. I saw that Neil's price was fantastic, considering that I was getting a lens and multi-power battery pack. After a couple of hours of research, I drove back to Neil's pawn shop.

I walked in casually to find Neil haggling with a customer over the Model 19. The Nikon was gone. Gone just that quickly. Damn. I should have just bought it. Disgusted with myself, I left the store. I had gotten about five blocks from Neil's pawn shop when I decided to return and possibly get the Model 19. I turned around and drove back.

The puddles had gotten smaller, and I walked through them as I went back into the shop. Neil was nose deep in the classifieds again. "Did you sell that Smith, Neil?" I asked.

"Yeah. Didn't make a dime off it either," replied Neil. I knew better.

"Neil, who bought that Nikon camera you had up there?" I asked, pointing to the empty space between the video cameras.

"Oh, nobody. I saw you looking at it, so I hooked up the charger in back to charge up the batteries," said Neil. "You interested?"

"I might be," I responded. "Does it work?"

"Well, you need a card of some type to hold the pictures, but it all powers up," said Neil as he retrieved the big black camera from his office.

"Hmmmmm," I pondered. "Will you give me your usual 30 day guarantee?"

"Sure."

"OK, What's your best price?" I asked.

"Ah jeeze, I just got beat on that Smith & Wesson," Neil squealed.

"I'm not going to beat you, I just want your best price," I countered.

"How about $450?" asked Neil.

"Four-fifty means lay away," I parried. "Four hundred cash and carry today, right now."

"Plus tax?"

"Deal," I smiled.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Two Models of 1905

I finally went by Neil's pawn shop and paid off the Model 10-8 that I had placed on lay away back in October. The sale price on the nickel service revolver was $239, and I only had $37 more dollars to pay.

At one time not long ago, I would have passed on a Model 10 that was over two hundred bucks, but times have changed. You just don't see them what I used pay any more. I suppose that goes for a lot of things. Earlier in the week I looked over a blued Model 37 with a three inch barrel, but the $425 price tag switched me off cold. I'm willing to recognize the prices have gone up a bit, but I'm not willing to pay 2015 prices yet.

I took the modern day Model of 1905 home and cleaned it up, and then found some period appropriate magna grips in my spares box. It's my first heavy barrel Model 10. I've just always preferred the taper barreled M&P, but I have to admit the heavy barrel handles nicely. When compared with my eighty-eight dollar Model of 1905 (no change) that I picked up at the last gun show, the Model 10-8 looks like a jewel.

The Model of 1905 was the first five screw Smith & Wesson revolver. It was manufactured for one year before the first change occurred. There is something about those old brown revolvers that I enjoy. They are invariably inexpensive, they are about as tactical as a pair of Hush Puppies, and the patina reeks of a past unknown. Yeah, I appreciate the old beater guns nobody else wants too.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Priorities

At Kenny's pawn shop, I found a Star Model A Super today. It's a little unusual to find old mil-surp weapons in pawn shops around here, but there it was. I'm not all that well versed in Star pistols, other than the Model B and the Model BM, both of which are 9mm parabellum. I own a star Model B and a Model BM, both purchased as surplus. They have been decent guns. Whether or not this pistol was 9mm Largo or not was pertinent. As far as I know, no American manufacturer provides 9mm Largo ammunition.

Kenny's Star Model A Super was in decent enough shape, with the original unchipped wooden grips. I turned it over in my hands trying to remember whether it was chambered in parabellum or 9mm Largo. The pistol had some sort of lever set into the right side. I had no idea what the function of that was. I discovered later that it was a retro-fitted takedown lever, part of which makes a Super super. Another thought that came to mind is that parts for Star mil-surp pistols have become as scarce as turtle teeth. Finally, next to the importer's mark, I saw the caliber. 9mm Largo. Last year, these pistols were surplused for $139. Kenny was wanting $209 for the old pistol. I handed it back to him.

I drove over to Wal-Mart, and after several minutes, found a parking place. At the ammunition counter inside, I spied four 100 round boxes of Winchester "white box" 45 ACP. "I'll take all four of the forty five auto, and one of the .38 specials" I told the matronly clerk, pointing to the boxes. A yellow tag reading $38.86 was on the shelf beneath them. This was going to hurt, but not as bad as it might next month.

The clerk stooped down to retrieve the boxes, and as she did, she revealed four more behind them. "Tell you what ma'am, I'll take all eight of those," I said.

Placing them on the counter, she asked "Still want the .38s?"

"No, I'll pass on the .38s today," I replied.

As she rang up the ammunition, I remarked that they may be back down to twenty bucks a box next month. "I wouldn't plan on that," she told me. The total came to $255.76 plus tax. As I wheeled my loaded down buggy out the automated doors, the math wasn't adding up in my head. Driving home, I looked at my receipt. I had been charged $31.97 a box for the ammunition. "Just in time," I whispered.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Outa Lay Away

Back in July of 2008 I placed a SW1911 on lay away at Neil's pawn shop. Over the past six months I have been placing a few bucks on it here and there. Today, when I entered Neil's shop again, I only had $47.89 left to pay on the stainless steel pistol. I decided to go ahead and take it home.

Paying for a firearm in this manner is basically painless. You still have to buy within your means, but it is amazing the limit we can place on financial pain by paying over time.

I am not sure what I will do with this pistol...... Hell, I already have three SW1911s. A gun show is coming later this month, and perhaps I will trade it off for something i like better. It's funny how I can easily justify another Colt or Smith & Wesson revolver, but another SW1911 makes me doubt my senses. The SW1911 is a solid 1911 though, and for the $650 price tag spread out over time, it was difficult to pass up.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Two Tauri

I stopped in Kenny's pawn shop this afternoon to see if the Colt 1903 Hammerless was still around. Regrettably, it had vanished. In it's place was a different rendition of John Moses Browning's gun designs, a blued Taurus PT1911. I didn't want to look too interested, so I asked to see the Taurus P92 that was still gathering dust.

The PT92 is a near copy of the Beretta 92 series of pistol. Some shooters actually prefer the Taurus P92 because the safety is not on the slide. I acted interested in the old Taurus while gazing at the PT1911 past it under the glass. Kenny had the PT1911 tagged at $549. That was too much in my book to pay for that pistol used.

Finally, I asked to take a look at the Brazilian 1911. When I dropped the magazine out, I noted that it was coated with what appeared to be motor oil. I locked back the slide and saw the barrel was coated with the same stuff. I am not familiar with the ins and outs of the PT1911, perhaps this was factory preservative. The barrel hood certainly appeared unblemished. Perhaps this was an unfired pistol. At $549, it should be.

I had to convince myself not to put this gun on lay away. I didn't care for the widely spaced slide serrations. The Hienie straight eight rear sight was not my cup of tea. It appeared to be installed as an afterthought, hanging over the round of the slide. I despised the lock on the hammer. Why make such a part, one that gets slammed around like crazy, delicate with itty bitty internal mechanisms? Unless they did it so the lock/hammer would immediately be swapped out, I have to question that design. The frame had a blocky front strap.

The fitting of the Taurus was excellent for a production gun. No sloppiness what so ever. The checkering on the front strap was nice. I prefer a smooth front strap, but if you like checkering, Taurus did an excellent job on it, unlike Smith & Wesson's clumsy checkering attempt on the SW1911. The checkering underneath the Taurus trigger guard is a nice custom touch, although it will certainly chew up a holster's leather. The trigger itself was very nice. Crisp.

There were enough features in the Taurus PT1911 that I did not care for. I handed the gun back to Kenny. At $549, I could have purchased the pistol new any time, any place. At $449, I might be back............

Michael Bane's PT1911 Review

Shooting Times PT1911 Review

Gun Blast PT1911 Review

B.B. Pelletier's PT1911 Review

Pawn Shop Circuit: Ruger MKII 50th Anniversary

A year and a half ago, I was considering purchasing a Ruger 50th Anniversary MKII at a local pawn shop. I passed on the pistol each time due to a price that I thought was a bit too high considering the pistol's condition. At $175, it sold to someone else. I continually kicked myself each time I thought about it.

That was the history as I entered the Spotted Dog gun and outdoor gear emporium. As usual, I walked past the hunting gear and straight down the glass cases full of handguns. When a salesman asked if he could assist me, I had already determined there were no used Colt 1911s available.

"That Ruger, can I have a look at it?" I pointed. He opened the case and removed a blue 4 inch MKII with the 50th Anniversary crest on the receiver. While not a perfect reproduction of the Ruger Standard by any means, minor design details such as he lack of scallops on the rear of the receiver caught my eye. The plastic red eagle grips suffered from battered checkering. The pistol did have good bluing, and no rust though.

I turned over the tag to take a look. $249. Damn. Just a few years ago, the four inch taper barreled Ruger MKII sold for that new. "Those are fine pistols," related the salesman. "And that one is a special 50th Anniversary model. Limited edition."

"I see." I tried to look skeptical. "Do you have the box?"

"Let me check," he replied and he disappeared into a back room. Moments later, he emerged with the bad news. No box. I gave a disappointed look. "I tell you what, I'll cut you a deal........." he ventured.

"Spare magazine? I inquired.

"No, but I'll let you have it for $219."

"What is the tax here?"

"Two twenty out the door," the salesman countered.

I did some quick mental math. I pulled out my wallet. I took the pistol home.

Pawn Shop Circuit: A Vintage Carry Gun

I stopped in Kenny's pawn shop this afternoon when I left work. He had several Ruger centerfire autoloaders, a Springfield XD, and the Taurus P92 was still gathering dust. Among the handguns though, was a shiny Colt.

Specifically, it was a 1903 Hammerless in .32 ACP. It appeared to me to be a Type 4, with the original magazine. The nickel finish was well worn, and I wasn't sure if it was original. The wood grips did not appear to be original either. The pistol had just come out of hock, and did not yet have a price tag. I asked Kenny how much he wanted for it.

"How about three hundred?"

"You're dreaming!" I handed it back to Kenny, and he placed it back in the case.

The Colt 1903 Hammerless is a 32 caliber pistol that makes a very nice carry gun if you feel comfortable with the bullet size, and if you can use the sights. I recall reading somewhere about a Colt 1903 that had Novak sights installed and the front strap checkered. As a durable alternative to the KelTec P32, a Colt 1903 in good shape is a viable carry option. They carry like a dream.

Several years ago I purchased a Colt 1903 at a gun show for $240. It had very little blue left, and I probably paid too much, but I wanted the pistol for my wife. It has been a reliable shooter, although accuracy is not all I would like it to be.

If you purchase one of these pistols, be sure to get one with the original Colt magazine. Aftermarket mags are generally a recipe for poor feeding, and the originals are hard to come by and pricey if you do find one. Buy the pistol in the best condition that you can afford, and if possible shoot it first. Do not purchase a non-functional example, unless it is for parts. Parts are generally unavailable. Reproduction grips are available from Vintage Gun Grips Inc and NC Ordnance.

A plethora of information concerning these fine little carry guns can be found at Sam Lisker's website, Colt Autos.com. Before making a purchase, learn as much as you can there, compare the pistol you are considering to the many photos and run the serial number through the data base to determine the year it was manufactured.

Perhaps I will check back in a few days to see if Kenny adjusted his price.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Shinola

There was a familiar figure in Neil's pawn shop as I entered it's door today. I recognized the fellow as one who sells on Gun Broker, and a man who I have actually purchased a gun or two from in the past. He was picking up a black 1911. The Gun Broker guy had a couple of sycophants along with him and the three of them were crowding the counter, so I loitered nearby looking at jewelry. The pistol he was picking up appeared to be a Kimber, and I surmised that it must have been the "Punisher gun" that I had missed a while back, only now it had the original grips installed. I spied a shiny revolver in the case though, and I waited.

From my perspective, the revolver appeared to be a heavy barreled nickel Model 10 with aftermarket grips. Finally, as Neil finished his deal, I caught his eye and said "Neil, let me see that Model 10 you have in there."

Neil retrieved the four inch service revolver from the case. I looked it over, and while it was in need of a good cleaning, the gun was in good shape. The nickel was flaking in a couple of spots at the muzzle, but the screws were untouched. It was a Model 10-8. Pinned.

Neil had a $239 price hung on the revolver. Not too long ago, I had passed up Model 10 revolvers that exceeded two hundred in price. In fact, one, a round butt pencil barrel gun that i left behind still bugs me at times. If this were a three inch gun, I'd be on it like black on Shinola. Finally, Gun Broker guy asked me, "You gonna buy that gun?"

I put it on lay away.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Glocks

I went by Kenny's pawn Shop today. He had a selection of semi-automatics underneath the glass. The Llama was still gathering dust alongside the Taurus P92. Sharing the dust was the James Bond P99 Walther incarnation. That was a rather forgettable pistol after the movie hit the DVD sale rack. Along with the Walther Kenny did have several Glocks available though.

I confess that I am not a Glock fan. I respect their reliability, and they are certainly durable. They are accurate enough. I dislike the safety on the trigger. The whole idea seems silly to me. A gun ought not go off unless the trigger is pulled. So to make the gun safer through a mechanical means, it only follows that the mechanical safety be independent of the trigger.

Oh, I know that the safety being on the trigger supposedly makes it less likely to be forgotten about in a life threatening crisis. No argument there. It also makes the safety less likely to be effective if something accidentally enters the trigger guard and presses the trigger. By contrast, the 1911 uses the thumb's placement in the firing grip to disengage the safety. When combined with the necessity of pulling the Glock trigger in the field stripping process, I simply prefer another design.

I dislike the idea of plastic sights. In a gun as well engineered as the Glock, why it doesn't come from the factory with aluminum sights dovetailed front and rear is beyond me. I am not a 1911 fanatic that spits on the ground when Glocks are mentioned. I did own one at one time. A Glock 26. The plastic sights were a primary reason I traded it off.

In trained hands, the Glock is an amazingly competent fighting gun. In my hands, although the grip angle is similar to the Ruger MKII, it does not seem to fit well. As a result, I do not shoot the pistol as well as I feel I should be able to.

Now I know that I speak heresy to some of the most die hard brand disciples in combat pistoldom. I fully expect to hear from them in my comments here. Guys, I just shoot the 1911 faster and more accurately than the Glock. I do not find perfection in a shovelmaker's pistol. If you do, Glocks seem to be running around $425 to $450 used in my area, but Kenny has a Glock 26 with three magazines available for $379.

Pawn Shop Circuit: Riot Gun

I stopped by Neil's Pawn Shop today, QJ wanted to put a few bucks on his Browning Buckmark, and he had asked me to go with him. As they were passing cash, I was scanning the long gun rack behind the counter.

"Say Neil, isn't the barrel a bit short on that one?" I asked. I pointed to an oily stocked shotgun that looked like it had seen better days.

"Nope," said Neil, "That's a police gun."

"Let me have a look."

Neil handed the shotgun over, and went back to trying to sell QJ a zippered gun rug. The beat up wood was impregnated with old oil, and was sticky in a few places. The recoil pad was hard with age. Barely visible in the grain of the stock was a stenciled 6, as well as LPS6 underneath the forend. Oddly, the forend was an extended type, not really my choice, but apparently authentic. I took a look at the rollmark on the barrel. RIOT. The old gun definitely appeared to be a past lawman's weapon.

I held down the slide release and opened the chamber. Clean. Although the furniture looked like it had been bounced around in the trunk of a police cruiser, the action was like new.

"How much you want?" I asked.

"A hundred and thirty," came the response.

"One ten," I countered.

"I can't make any money like that Xavier........"

I wavered. Lord knows I have enough combat shotguns. Still, this old girl had waited patiently for years to be run hard. It was speaking to me. "I tell you what Neil, give QJ that gun rug, and I'll give you one twenty nine."

Neil looked at me, then at QJ. "Damn. I'm double teamed," he said, "Deal."

Another Shooter is Born

There is compelling evidence that the origins of gun control in the United States is racism. It is a shame that even today, many responsible black citizens are brainwashed by the established minority advocacy organizations that are vehemently anti-gun. Like all my students, I refused to take QJ shooting until he could recite the Four Rules. Yesterday, he approached me and spouted them off, and we went to Wal-Mart to buy a bulk pack of Federal 22 Long Rifle ammo.

QJ was rather amazed that he could just buy ammunition, a question of whether it was for a handgun or a rifle, a few bucks, and we were on our way to familiarizing him with the pistol he would shoot in the morning. QJ felt the need to learn to use a gun for self defense. We had talked about him getting a CCW permit, and set that, along with effective skills and marksmanship with a firearm as his goal.

Last night I thought about how strange it was that QJ did not know his rights guaranteed by the Constitution. He is a good and productive American. He had served, a proud Air Force man. He had defended the ideals enshrined in the US Constitution. Yet he had not taken advantage of them himself. He simply was unaware that he could.

We met at McDonalds this morning, and discussed his goals and the Four Rules again over egg mcmuffins and hash browns. We also discussed the safety rules governing the range. I had stuffed my stainless Ruger MKII in the range bag, and I planned to put QJ on my usual program of learning to shoot.

I started QJ out at seven yards, and at first he was very stiff. He wanted desperately to do things right, to not violate any range rule. His head was swarming with thoughts. But as he shot, and watched other people shoot, he became more comfortable and loosened up. Then he had an epiphany. He realized that he must align the top of the sights as well as place the front sight in the notch of the rear. Suddenly, he was in the black, then blasting a ragged hole, and he was hooked.

He was obviously feeling more empowered. During a cold range break I suggested that QJ might want to place a 22 pistol that I knew about at Neil's Pawn Shop on layaway. "That way you can come back and shoot on your own time, you won't need me," I told him.

"Sure, I'll buy it if it's a good deal, but I want to keep it at your house," he responded.

"What?!! Why?"

"I don't want it in my house until I have the papers to be legal," he stated firmly.

"Q, you are not a felon or a nutcase. You are a free man. This is a free state in a free country. You don't need to have 'papers' to own a gun and keep it in your home," I informed him.

"Really?"

"Really. This is your birthright QJ, you are an American. There are some politicians who would take away your right to own a gun if they could, but you can help gun owners keep them out of office and preserve these rights for everyone if you wish."

We shot some more, reinforcing the basics. Finally QJ was ready. "We will have to go by the ATM," he said.

We walked into Neil's Pawn Shop together, and we asked to see the Browning Buckmark under the counter. It was in like new condition, although the plastic box was missing. Neil was wanting $219 for it. "New shooter discount?" I asked. Neil smirked. He knew the price was fair. QJ placed the pistol on lay away, and we talked a bit more in the parking lot. QJ was still trying to mentally grasp what had just happened. The wheels in his head were spinning at breakneck speed, gaining traction in freedom and leaving the shackles of imagined oppression behind.

Welcome to the free world Q, it is now up to you to help us keep it free.

Pawn Shop Circuit: A KelTec PF9

I visited Neil's pawn shop this afternoon, and among his handgun selection was a KelTec 9mm pistol with a grip that spoke of something new. Gone was the sharp polymer checkering that had caused me to apply emery paper to my P-32. This pistol had raised pads on a black plastic grip frame. It appeared to be a single stack gun with the extractor and rear sight attached with Allen screws. I made a mental note of the price and tried not to look too interested. Neil wanted $219 for the gun.

This evening, I went online to KTOG.org, a forum that I once frequented when I first bought my P-32. I still carry my P-32, and it has been a good little gun. I had to "fluff & buff" it, and it is a .32 ACP, which I'm not too fond of, but it provides me the option of packing something when I would otherwise be packing nothing. Even though I considered their products to be starter kits to a carry gun, KelTec customer service has always been exemplary. This might be a decent bicycle gun. I was hopeful..... I began to read........

I found this thread, a synopsis of the PF9 and it's tribulations in early production.

More:
Mousegun's Review of the PF9
Gun Blast Review of the PF9
Ed Buffaloe's Review of the PF9

The Savage 87A

Every once in a while, even a savvy pawnshopper gets beat, or at least falls to the siren song of a firearm that is going to be a bum deal. Such was the case when I drove fifty miles to visit a dusty Mom & Pop pawn shop I heard was closing down. Pop had a couple of overpriced Smith & Wesson revolvers for sale. No doubt he was planning on keeping them, but he wanted Ma to think he was trying his best, so he had them underneath the glass. Along the long gun rack were a few shotguns and a tube magazine fed 22 rifle. I asked to have a look at the rifle.

It was a Savage 87A, and the cooling vents surrounding the bolt intrigued me. "Damned fine rifle, that is...." ventured Pop. I turned the heavy rimfire rifle over in my hands, noting the knurled bolt screw at the rear, the bolt knob with concentric circles cut into it, the dovetailed front sight with a brass bead. The serrated trigger was light. The walnut stock was in decent shape, well oiled and polished, although the usual nicks from a life afield were present. The barrel still had the brownish tinge of bluing long gone, with a few blood spots near the muzzle. Testimony of a rifle used to put wounded game down once they were located. I asked Pop how much he wanted. "Sixty-seven dollars, plus tax," he grinned.

Now I don't know about most folks, but it's difficult for me to walk away from a sub-hundred dollar gun. This rifle had the option of shooting .22 longs, .22 shorts, and the option of locking the bolt to use it as a bolt action type rifle. I paid the money and thanked the man. That night the Savage received the first cleaning it had experienced in years.

The next day I took my old rifle to the range. It was decently accurate, but failed to feed often enough to frustrate me. When the 75 year old Savage did cycle, it was a strange experience compared to newer 22 rifles. The old girl chambered the next round in a slow motion ker-chunk that you could chronograph with a stopwatch. One of the old gray range hands informed me "That's an old one. It's supposed to cycle like that boy." I diagnosed the feeding problem as the shell lifter, and ordered another one from Numrich.

I fitted and installed the new part, and the feed problem improved but never totally disappeared. I still keep the rifle. I'm reluctant to trade off an unreliable rifle without informing the recipient. I also enjoy shooting it occasionally. For $75, I figure that's enough reason to keep it around.