Wow; we did better than I expected, and even though we had to come down on the asking price in every case — I’d of course baked the discount into the ask — we got rid of all Jim’s guns but three:
Of all Jim’s rifles, this one has the most limited appeal. Not many average members of the Murkin shooting persuasion are really aware of the brand’s outstanding reputation for quality. Jim knew it, and it’s telling that this was his first-ever hunting rifle, and he kept it all his life. It’s a little battered, of course, but other than the heel of the stock — which needs refinishing and a new recoil pad, it’s a peach. If anyone here is interested in owning this one, I’ll drop the price to $600 and ship it to you, first come first served. The question, of course, is quite simple: where are you going to get a very good hunting rifle like the Parker-Hale for only $600?
Funny, I thought we’d sell this one quite easily because it’s chambered in the oh-so hip 6.5 Creedmoor (and we had over a case of quality Norma ammo to give away with it). But I don’t think Texas shooters have realized the hunting potential of the Creed yet. The ones who have, I think, have mostly gone to the AR platform. (More astounding news on this topic later this week.) The price of the rifle is quite firm, but if I can get it done, I may be able to get Jim’s NightForce 3-10 scope, and make a package deal for under a grand — the lucky owner would use it the way Jim wanted to use it: as a hunting rifle par excellence.
I had to bring the price down massively on the Krag, because somehow I’d forgotten that The Layabout Sailor had sporterized the stock — hell, I was even involved when we discussed whether he should do so — so I dropped the price to $500. (I know, I know; but Jim was a shooter, not a collector, and he got sick of getting splinters in his hand every time he shot the gun.) Here’s the thing: this little carbine would make an incredible woods hunter (the short barrel doesn’t allow the 6.5 Swede to get to its optimal long-distance potential, but any range less than 200 yards and this thing would be mustard).
Other guns: the Ruger Hawkeye African 6.5x55mm sold within a half-hour of the gun show’s opening on Saturday morning. Both shotguns went before lunchtime. The 1911 lasted a whole day, but sold later in the day. The Glock 10mm went at about the same time on Saturday evening, as did the Tanfoglio (CZ-75 clone) 10mm and Makarov 9×18.
The pre-’64 Winchester Model 88 in .308 Win went at lunchtime on Sunday, at close to the full asking price. (Texans understand the value of the pre-’64 Winchester rifles — I could have sold four, I think.)
Jim’s widow “Irish” was well pleased with the several thousand dollars we raised for her.
I’ll write another time about the whole gun show experience because I have an idea which people might find worthwhile, but I need to put my thoughts together first. Bear with me.
When I worked in the gun biz near when I left to start another job the TC Compass models were out about a year or just over.
They had a few calibers. It was a rifle that retailed for under 500 bucks. I think the newer compass 2 is just a little more but not much.
I had the 223 and 556 model. Yes it was both 223 and 556 not just 223 like many rifles.
Good barrel. Coated in a really rust resistant coating and had good rifling like the more expensive tc rifles. The stock was plastic which was fine by me for a cheap rifle. I put a “cheap” under 200 dollar scope on it and it ran most any ammo really well. It’s a bolt action so it was reliable. Heavy or light 223 or 556 either one I never saw any key holing that sometimes cheaper rifles do with heavier 223 and 556.
I just didn’t use the rifle much and I sold it. I always wanted a Mossberg MVP. Never got one. Maybe I should have kept the tc but eh. Doesn’t matter.
Anyways the 6.5 creedmor was being advertised a lot during the 2016 to 2017 years. The tc compass came in the creedmor flavor and many other calibers.
Good gun for not a ton of money. I’m surprised that didn’t sell especially if it came with a case of ammo and a scope all for $ 360. These days you can’t get shit for that price new. Maybe just the scope.
Years back I inherited a Parker-Hale rifle, .308, stamped “made for J.C. Penneys by Parker-Hale”. Nice rifle, shot a 1 hole cloverleaf pattern at 100 yards. Unfortunately I’m a lefty and that raised check piece on the stock left a nice bruise on my face every trigger pull. I ended up selling it for way less than you’re asking.
I know it’s for your friend and no disrespect, but even $600 is too much. No one in the states is going to attach any cachet to the name, and for that price you can get a new Ruger American. It’ll make someone a very nice rifle but it may take some time to find that one person who really wants it.
Good point.
Might be interested in the TC if you still have it. Course have ship between ffls. Hav3 been wanting to try a 6.5 and it will help some one rather than a faceless corp.
Thanks
Oh my that “sporty” Krag would feel right at home next to my sporty 1894 Swede (that I traded a can of 7.62X39 for). IIRC I had paid all of $79 for that can.