Memories of 5 Oct 2011

[SaddleTramp]

Just thinking back today on the events of 11 years ago at the South Store (old location).

The South Store was having a release/sale that day of "bolt guns". Loads of 22 target rifles, M1903/A3, and a few Krags.

My friend and I drove down the day prior, spent a few restless hours at a local hotel and arrived at the South Store parking lot at 0300. We pulled out our chairs and blankets and got in line. There were already 30 folks ahead of us waiting for the doors to open at 0800. What a great group of folks to pass the time with talking about our hopes and dreams that waited for us just a few feet inside.

The doors opened at 0800 with a limit of just 20 folks at a time inside. As folks finished their selection, they were directed back outside while the paperwork was processed and then to the window to pay the tab.

There was a limit to one rifle of each specific type. I was fortunate enough to pick up a 1898 Krag ($450), a 1942 Remington 513T ($165), and a 1967 Remington 40X ($475). My friend picked up a really nice Springfield M1903A3, and if I remember correctly a USMC Remington 40X.

Those were certainly great times that will never happen again.