I guess it' been four or five years ago that I set up at a local show to move some stuff and replace some of it with what I really wanted. I wanted to set myself up with a couple Contender Carbines and just a FEW barrels (don't laugh - I CAN do it), and there was a complete stainless 223 there for a decent price I'd kept my eye on throughout the show. I believe everyone should have a 223, even though I don't shoot it much at all, so as the guy started packing up on Sunday afternoon, I made him an offer and I fulfilled my "223 obligation." I'd also sold most of what I was moving, but needed to reinvest it in a few more barrels - for a total of four.
What made it hard was that there was this fella walking around with a very, very nice Savage 340 in 222. I had cash in my pocket. He was asking $250 for that rifle, which was also professionally D/T'd for a scope mount. I looked at it, was sorely tempted, but stuck to my plan. I believe he walked out of there with it. It's hard to believe no one was interested in that rifle. I have a 222 in a CZ 527, so it would have been surplus for me.
I still feel sometimes I should have bought it and waited for another 222 fan. Not to "turn it" to make a profit, but to ensure it went to an appreciative home. But then, that's how "cat ladies" end up with thirty cats, and how I ended up with a great many guns over the years. I still have two "strays" to find homes for, hopefully at a show this weekend (neither are 222s) and they've had all their shots, are house-broken, but haven't been "neutered."
All I need now if for some joker to pass through the aisles with some old gem that has an irresistible price tag on it to torment me further.