I was trying to figure out how to make this topic meaningful enough to contribute, so here's a topic and a story, story coming first.
I went on a short road trip today and decided to stop by the nearby gunshop for shits and giggles. For those who care, I am seriously in the market for a 1911 style pistol, but a bit short on loose funds. Now a while back, I decided that I had enough shotguns already and would not buy another one unless it was a) a side by side, b) a muzzleloader, or c) an oddity. As fate would have it. I saw all 3. First was a Winchester 1887 lever action 10 ga. It looked like it had seen better days, but still quite shootable. It would be (and still is) tempting, but the fact it is 10ga. is a bit of a turnoff because it is tough to find ammo without ordering or making a special trip. Next was a savage side by side 20 ga. with fixed full chokes for $300 and finally some sort of muzzleloader that was out of my price range. All the other muzzleloaders looked quite thin at the muzzle, but would make great wallhangers. One of them had a stock that wrapped around to about 30+ degrees to the right, which seemed rather odd. So much want was to be had this day.
Now for the topic. There was also the most expensive and beautiful gun I have ever personally saw. I wish I could remember the brand. It looked something like
this. It was a flintlock, but it had much, much more detailing around the action. I'm kind of a sucker for good wood, so that was the first thing that caught my eye. It actually looked like it glowed gold with tiger's eye stripes on it. Only thing was to cost about $35,000. Yes I know what I typed.
Anyone else have any similar experiences with really beautiful, high dollar, not a cannon with 50x scope guns that they care to share?