OK, Hooks In, NOW WHAT?

[Rothenfield]

Having completed my first firearm restoration project (well, as much as I can do anyway), and gaining a great deal of satisfaction from doing so, I’m standing over my empty work bench thinking WHAT NOW? I miss not having a project to fuss with.

I can’t figure out where you C&R folks find your firearms, project ones anyway.

What’s the secret password to get into the old barn storing all the old firearms?

[mosinnagantm9130]

Keep an eye on the C&R trader here.

Post up a WTB ad.

Check your local gunstores, any that carry used inventory will probably have older stuff.

Check gunbroker as well.

[DennisCA]

Keep an eye on the C&R trader here.

Post up a WTB ad.

Check your local gunstores, any that carry used inventory will probably have older stuff.

Check gunbroker as well.

Yup - What he said
Just keep your eyes open (and be patient)

[Crocketus]

Being that I just snuck an unmolested SMLE for 250 I'd say gunbroker is a great resource.

[81turbota]

Gunbroker has many hidden deals. Check for obscure titles- misspellings etc.

[Enfield47]

I've had good luck at pawnshops, just keep checking back. Sometimes the prices are great, other times they want way more than they're worth. If you get to know they guys, they'll let you know if something interesting comes in.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Gunbroker has many hidden deals. Check for obscure titles- misspellings etc.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

[81turbota]

Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

[TRAP55]

I never really thought about it before, but I rarely go looking. It's usually a phone call or a knock on the door by someone I know, usually with a box of rusty parts.
Speaking of, I just got a call about a dozen handguns that were just released to "next of kin" after being in an evidence locker for "20 years"! Why do all the good deals fall in your lap when the toy money stash is empty, and the house payment is due?

[Enfield47]

Tell them to hold onto the pistols for you Dave. They've been in lockup for 20 years a few more weeks can't hurt.

[81turbota]

You can find excellent deals on sporterized military rifles as well. $100-200 could get you a restorable Mauser, Arisaka or Enfield if you look hard enough.

[mosinnagantm9130]

You can find excellent deals on sporterized military rifles as well. $100-200 could get you a restorable Mauser, Arisaka or Enfield if you look hard enough.

The trick to that though, is knowing what parts you're going to need, and what those parts will cost before you buy the rifle.