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I've never done better scoring the old collectibles. I think that's because people are either trading in "old" stuff to pay for that AR15, or are dying off, and collections are being disposed of. But I steer clear of online stuff, or big-box stores because it's either over-hyped, or Wally World won't touch it.

That means working a regular "trapline" of genuine gun stores that do a good business, and don't try to BS you. I think it takes mutual respect so that they know you're a solid customer, know your tastes, and hold the stuff you like so you can get first look before it goes on sale.

I do business with a dealer who doesn't dicker on prices, but doesn't screw anyone, either. Except for big-ticket items like guns, where he tries to do business at 90% of MSRP, everything else is list price, because he won't dicker over a couple of dollars. OTOH, he didn't double or triple his magazine or ammo prices. What was on the box when it went on the shelf was still the same price months later. He didn't go around raising prices once a week like a lot of other dealers did. What he has to pay the next time he gets a delivery will depend on his prices then. His philosophy is to not screw the customers in tough times, so they'll remember to come back in the good times.

I can't explain it, but the current president has kicked out more older pieces, along with increasing sales of new stuff, than anyone else. When I was a starving college student, I saw Pythons, Model 66s, Gold Cups, and all sorts of other classic and high-end weapons, but could never afford them. Now I can pay just about the same price, UNadjusted for inflation, as they cost in then-year dollars. A very few are NIB, but I've gotten quite a few in the 95% range that lets me shoot them without fear. I also know that this time will probably be my last time, or anybody else's, to see them on the same "used" shelf as a Lorcin or Jennings. Guess which one I'll pick. :)

I have 3 .357’s but alas, no Python. A regret, now that they’re harder to find.

I saw my first Walther PPK, a pre-1968 in .32ACP, just a few months ago. I have no use for one, I have no need for one, as I alone determine my needs. But it was sure cute and classic, and I would have bought it just for that, but someone else beat me to it.

So today I was told that a special-order Walther PPK had finally come in after three years. Whoever ordered it had since died, so they offered me "first look" privileges.

Again, I have no use for it, since I don't even own anything else in .380ACP. I don't NEED it, but again, it was appealing. So despite all the down-checks, I bought the little darling.

Due to BATFE "scoring" rules, a German-made Walther PPK has not been imported into the US since 1968, except for government uses. But those rules don't apply to ones made in the USA. Since Walther and Smith & Wesson have such a close working relationship now, this PPK is made under license from Walther in a S&W factory located in the free territory of Maine. Another well-earned poke in the eye for Massachusetts. :)

There are some visible differences, aside from the stainless steel construction. Most noticeable is the much larger beavertail at the end, which is more effective protection from hammer or slide bites compares to the original, although it knocks a bit of nostalgia off. The plastic grips have some changes, and the lanyard loop on the bottom of the frame is gone. With a bit of luck, I can retrofit a vintage set of grips and lanyard loop.

The Walthers were expensive even back in their early days in Germany. This modern version has some MIM parts, and the slide and frame look like investment castings, although the cosmetic work looks vey good. Cheaper to make, but still pretty expensive compared to the $200 .380s that so many people demand. :)

So I now have a nice, useless gun that I hadn't even dreamed about until today, when the owner's son brought this out for my viewing pleasure from the hiding place underneath the counter.