Nappanee is probably the nicest show for collectors. Doubly so this time of this year because of the dearth of black guns. See, nobody was lining up around the block to buy old Colt/Sauer Drillngs, or Iver Johnson Champions missing forends and classic BB guns.

I love going to the show. I met with an old gentleman there who always brings a pile of pocketwatches to show. He examined my dad’s South Bend and reccomended a good place to have it serviced, and partner bought a sweet, sweet Rock-ola M1 carbine.

Oh, how I envy him, and how jealous I am of his lovely lovely M1 carbine. I mean, I have my own, and I love shooting it, but Dayum is this thing FINE. The stock is very nice, and appears to have all the right cartouches, and the individual parts are all Rock Ola (except, the dealer says, the mag release, which has been replaced) (and is easy enough to locate, if it becomes an issue.)

I always kinda lusted after the M1, and I was so pleased when i got mine. But to have one of the first production run Rock-Olas, made by the same guy to make the jukeboxes? I think he should get an old Rock-Ola Jukebox like this, and just keep the carbine loaded, leaning against it.

“Say hello to my little friend. We gonna play a song for you!”

Sadly, we only had time for a few pounds of bacon and brief conversation with Mr B and Company prior to the Gunshow Feeding Frenzy, but we’re making plans to enjoy ther company next weekend.