Y’all are not going to believe this and quite frankly I don’t either. I’m surprised the wire services and internet news folks have not broken this story but here it goes. Shortly after the Texas Gun Collectors Show opened in Denton, Texas this morning a gun show patron and TGCA member bought a nice 1897 shotgun. It has some features that made it more desirable than many other 1897’s. The details of this shotgun escape me because quite frankly I was and am still in shock, but with proper medication and years of intensive therapy they tell me I’ll be able to lead a reasonably productive and peaceful life for the years I have left. Quite frankly I’m a bit worried about a well-regarded, respected and valuable member of the Winchester Arms Collectors Association. I hope none of you will take this as hard as I did but I feel it’s my duty to pass this along in the most positive and helpful manner. It seems Elliot, our beloved gunshow speedster, and bank envelope quickdraw artist, was beaten to the punch! He spied the above poorly described 1897 while blasting down the aisle but before he had a chance to make a generous offer someone bought it out from under him! I don’t believe slight of hand, aisle blockers or scooters were involved. Elliot seemed to be in high spirits in spite of this disaster and I wish him the best in future contests. My theory is that his bankroll from the Tulsa show may have weighed him down a bit but, a good sport in spite of it all, Elliot made no excuses. 

Mike