Vegas Show Report

In Albuquerque, NM on the way home from SCI.  Show was a significant downturn from past years; and unexplainably so!  Most hunting outfitters reported considerably less bookings than last year.  The African outfitter next to me, with 2 booths sold NO hunts. OUCH!  Big outlay for no return.  Most of the gun dealers reported the show as slow to only OK.  Attendance seemed to be down.  Although, it is hard to estimate with the crowd spread out over 4 thousand booths. I doubt the organizers will admit it if that is indeed the case.   High end merchandisers, business that I observed, especially jewelry deals seemed to be doing a brisk business.

As for the Beinfeld Show two weeks ago; which is a total gun show, seemed to be more upbeat than the previous several years.  Most dealers that I talked to reported being well please with the show's results.  Hopefully, it is back on the way up!

Look forward to seeing everyone at Louisville.

Safari Club International show pics.

Upper Pensinsula SxS Shoot

I apologize for the tardy report on the UP Shoot. It was a great event. Lots of good camaraderie.

Tough targets, and some of finest in double shotguns. Mark your calendars for this shoot next year it is usually on Father's day weekend. (Very Fitting). Nice time to visit the north woods and enjoy some lovely weather. Check out there website for info: http://www.stsportsman.com/.

Show Report: August 29 -30, '09 were the dates of the Midwest Antique Arms show at St. Charles, IL. This was formerly the CADA - Collector Arms Dealers Asso. Show which has gone from one of the best gun shows in the country to barely existing. I arrived late on Sat. AM, not expecting much; as usual. That expectation completely vanished as soon as I walked in the door. The buzz of activity almost made me go back out to check if I was at the correct building.

Much credit needs to be directed to Paul and Karen Balfor, most of us know them from the Vegas show. They have done a remarkable job of resurrecting this show. Kudos to them for taking the effort to take a chance and try some different strategy to make this show work. I strongly recommend this show for dealers and collectors looking for another venue of fine guns.

I was fortunate enough to pick up a Roper stocked 1930 Mauser Broom. Neat piece. Amazing what a pair of Walter Roper's creations can do for piece usually needing a shoulder stock to shoot well.

Enjoy the pics. Consider the Midwest Antique Arms Show.

Best Regards,

Mike

All Thompson Shoot

Quiet time on the line.

On the weekend of Aug. 14-15 The American Thompson Association or TATA met for it's annual all Thompson show and shoot. It was the 18 th meeting for the Asso. but the first for me. Firsts for anything always seem to be the best of the event. However, this is one of those events that gives you that "can't wait til the next meeting" feeling; which unfortunately isn't until next August. On Friday, the day before the shooting took place at the Newark, OH Police Range, the faithful all gathered at the home of Tracie Hill and his family. Tracie's basement is converted into a few aisles of tables for everything Thompson and an absolute mecca for the Thompson Sub-Machine enthusiasts. Tracie also took the opportunity to unveil his new book on the Thompson that he compiled with the help of several other authors. This book is a must have for anyone who has a mild to insatiable interest in Thompson's. There were a few guns for sale, but mostly some great collector items, such as manuals, replacement parts and all other memorabilia Thompson. I managed to pick up a couple of choice L drums. A mint Seymour and a battle-hardened drum for shooting that runs right out.

On Saturday, the day of the shoot, we had 38 contestants gather at the Newark Police range for several different events. Shooting started out with the 50 yard single fire event. After that it was all full auto. During the next four stages shooters moved closer to the targets with progressively less time to engage all three targets with a 20 round mag. Once the range got down to the 21 foot line (yes, 21') with 4 seconds to fire, the roar of the Thompson would have been obvious to all but the stone deaf.

After the 5 stages of silhouette shooting we move to the steel plate competition. Two shooters started shooting on command at line of heavy steel plates that took several rounds to push over center and drop. Each shooter started at opposing end of the line of plates. The one that finished first advanced to next round of one on one competition. Overall a great event that I highly recommend to everyone. Only in America!!! Check out the photos and video.

Best Regards To All,
Mike

Welcome to Schwandt Classic Arms Blog!

Welcome to Schwandt Classic Arms first blog entry! I will be sharing information regarding shooting events and collecting of fine classic arms. Please stay posted for future postings.