So I went to the local fun show today to hand out business cards and network. For those not in the know, there's a long-time M14/M1 Garand builder close by who goes by the name of Bruce Dow. I found his table and introduced myself.

Bruce was an extremely pleasant person to talk with. We spent a good amount of time talking shop and I observed him helping some local customers. I asked his permission to post his pic on the forum and he granted it.



I didn't want to overstay my welcome so I eventually went along with my business and perused the other tables and gunsmiths. We agreed to meet in the future and get to know each other better.

Just thought some of you might enjoy the story.

Tony.

A friend who's store/range I used to work for used to send stuff for him to work on. He does great work.

On a side note were you at the show in Lakeland?
My wife and I were there today (we have not been in years)and I picked up a Type 38 Arisaka rifle.

I like that show they have a lot of, hard to find/older items. A lot of the venders are what I call "coffee can collectors". They have been saving stuff in old coffee cans for years then bring it to the show to sell.

Yes, I was at the Lakeland gun show from about 10:30 to 1:30.

Yes, there's lots of old stuff there, from what I saw. Insane prices on ammo though. $60 for a 20 count box of 175 grain FGMM!

Tony.

As soon as I saw the thread title, I thought “oh, he got to meet Bruce Dow!” Back in 2007, my best fiend and I went to his shop. Talked with him for a bit about some amateur gunsmithing adventures and he invited us back into his workshop and showed us around, explaining lots of tools and some processes. He must have talked with us for at least an hour. I still have his business card somewhere. Truly a great guy. I’m glad you got to meet him. He is absolutely a legend in the rotating bolt community.

Very cool

quote:

Originally posted by benny6:
Yes, I was at the Lakeland gun show from about 10:30 to 1:30.

Yes, there's lots of old stuff there, from what I saw. Insane prices on ammo though. $60 for a 20 count box of 175 grain FGMM!

Tony.

My wife and I were there with our friend at the same time. We probably walked right past each other.
I did not notice the ammo prices, however my wife was the one who spotted the rifle and she made me buy it. She knew exactly what it was.
I had been looking for this rifle for years in this condition. She said buy it because you will never see one at that price again.
Got to love my wife, she even made me buy a watch once.

That’s pretty cool! I know who Bruce is from the M14 Forum.

The Lakeland Rifle and Pistol Club shows are the best I've ever been to as regards to collectibles. It's unfortunate they were not able to continue to lease the Lakeland Center and are now stuck out at Sun N' Fun. I've pulled more great collectible stuff out of that show than anywhere else.