OH BROTHER DO I HAVE 2 THAT STILL KILL ME!!! The first was in 1974 and I had just graduated from college after having returned from 2 tours in Vietnam. I was at all things a Flea Market with a girlfriend when a 40ish dealer said to me "You look like you appreciate fine weapons" He pulled a Banner Mauser in 7X57 from under the table in the original box with all the papers with hanging tag and it was a short Mannlicher made in the 30's before they were even drilled and tapped. It was literally N.O.S. I asked him what he had to have...$500 firm...beautiful pre war blue, great wood, light maybe 6lbs. and I thought and said "I need the money for Law School" and PASSED! The second was 13 years ago at the Bozeman Gun Show, my youngest daughter was 3, a toddler, tired, hungry and fussy and so was my wife and 13 year old. I looked and saw what I THOUGHT WAS A MODEL 70 WIN. SHORT RIFLE IN 7X57, NEW UNFIRED IN THE BOX WITH ALL PAPERS. I checked to make sure it was authentic [integral front sight ramp turned onto barrel] and everything checked out. The old man who had it wanted $2200 and would accept only cash. I ASKED HIM TO HOLD IT WHILE I WENT TO GET CASH. We left and could not find a bank open or anywhere to get that much cash. Try as I might I could not get the cash. When I went back, the man had sold it to another dealer. AAAAGGGHHHH! I remember my DAD always saying, no matter how many wonderful guns you will own, none will stir your emotions like the ones that got away!!!!
