Notes from the gun shop...

Not much to report from the guns and ammo sales trenches...

We've seen a noticeable drop in sales. At least one major distributor has been shipping lots less product in the last 3-4 months. Prices should be coming down, but perhaps ammo prices won't decline given that the Chinese economy is already winding up faster than ours. Devaluation of the dollar will also contribute to this. Our customers know these things but simply aren't motivated to do anything about it. They are buying less since they already have supplies from the last two years. We are still selling guns to young folks, particularly in some sort of government service, who have money but haven't yet inherited family guns. We actually stood around some today, something that has never happened this time of year in the 3 years I've been working in the shop.

I almost forgot to mention that one of today's highlights was the appraisal of part of an estate's firearms. The executrix is the daughter and the auction will be held 4 December in Fishersville, VA with Mr. Craig as the auctioneer. Anyway, she brought about half the collection today. Most were run of the mill but for a Belgium produced Browning Auto 5 Light 12 in really good condition (which is one she will keep) and a Colt Trooper MKIII. Why is the Trooper interesting? Because her brother committed suicide with the gun. Now, while that is sad, that is her stated reason for "hating guns" and I don't get it. Ummmm, my brother was hit with a truck and killed, should I hate trucks? I just don't see this. However, one can't account for the stages of grief and this young lady should be blessed with adequate return on her effort. If you can, I hope you'll step out for the auction.