I hardly ever go to shows anymore. Granted, I have relocated to a small town in northern CA farming country, where the biggest shooting discipline is duck hunting. The local shows are small, poorly attended, and what space there is is largely filled with black rifles, plastic pistols, jerky, tee-shirts, and antique china/furniture/etc.

I built my entire collection from GOOD shows in the SF Bay Area in the 70's and 80's. You would not believe what used to show up. Most of my collector friends have passed, so when I return to my old haunts, all I see is ghosts (and more %$#$^#%$^ black rifles).

Am about ready to start hanging it up. I plan to prepare a list of items for sale over the winter. I WILL be parting with one of my 26" rifles, but have not decided which. Paring down to 75 SA-made arms will be fairly easy, the next step - 50 - will be harder, and my final goal - the 25 best* or most interesting - will be VERY hard.  :'(

Will be keeping MY Chaffee-Reece!