I love old guns even if they aren’t functional I would keep them cause they have a history to them. Where would I find firearms like that and not get ripped off? I would love some old lever actions or revolvers.
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Estate sale. A LGS hosted one a few years ago.
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Actually right now is a GREAT time to buy classics. Many folks are in PANIC mode and trading-in Gramps ol’ huntin’ rifle or service revolver for an AR or Glock and many gun stores don’t like old guns sitting around so they’ll take any reasonable offer. Im lucky that I have a network of partners that know I love ok’d guns too. I’ve picked up a bunch relatively cheap too because “they don’t work” and guns dealers are not us us ally in the business of gunsmithing. Most times, after a full takedown disassembly and cleanup they usually work just fine. Sometimes you need to replace a part or two. I buy most of my gun parts from eBay.
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Also things like garage sales, especially in retirement communities. Old gun cleaning kit for sale? I’ll usually ask where’s the gun that goes with this? You have no idea how many times that has led to a private sale.
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I found that model 11 at a garage sale for something like $75, I think. It looked rusty, and I’m sure to the owner, either too much work or not worth it. I also found a Beretta AL2 at one for under $200. Another parts site is Numrich. I recently purchased from Numrich, and couldn’t be happier.
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I have the Browning version of that gun, the Browning Auto 5, an original 1940s gun Belgium made and it was my wife’s grandpa’s gun so it’s a family heirloom. She was a little upset her dad gave the shotgun to me 
They are amazing firearms. One of the fastest pointing shotguns out there, when I take mine to the trap range I clean up and it’s not close to being a trap gun. It’s a JMB design so of course it’s perfect. Your Remington and the Beretta were both outstanding buys!
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This is being held for me at one of my partner guns stores. I’ll be picking it up next month.
1970 issue Marlin Centennial Model 39 with a full octagon barrel. The mechanics and bore are pristine . The wood and metal need restoration, by the time I’m done with them it’ll look great! Not new, but just like it’s been tenderly cared for while still showing it’s age. It’ll be the perfect companion to that 32-20 Marlin ‘94. I can’t wait to get started!
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Any chance you can post some pics? I love old gun porn 
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Have an original Springfield 1873 Trapdoor in 45-70. Actually had it out today and ran some 405 grain lead bullets over 777 to make a little noise and some smoke at my range.
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I’ve tried to make it “talk” by researching its history with little success. I know it was made in 1874 but couldn’t find out who it was issued too. Custer era but I can’t connect it to any particular group. Still love taking it out once in awhile. Hand load rounds for it to keep them mild but functional. Want to take a deer or hog with it this year if possible. Love most all guns but old guns have a special place in my heart.
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Another one of my bucket list guns. I fired one of my friends trapdoor rifles a few years back and fell in love. Tough to find originals in good condition.
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You are correct, you don’t see many. Growing up a friend of my dad had an infantry Trapdoor but that was the only other original that I’ve come across. I would like to pick up a Ruger #1 in 45-70 to complete the trifecta of the three different caliber loads for 45-70. Have a Marlin 1895 lever gun but missing something for the hottest loads like the Ruger. Too many things on my bucket list but it’s great when you get to cross one off. Good luck on yours.
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I inherited a few about 3-4 years ago. Grandfather has been gone a while now, but mom was just cleaning things out during a move a few years back.
Winchester 62 - just took that apart and cleaned it up a bit. Still shoots great. The serial #'s on both parts still match - I’ve heard they got all mixed up at times by the carnies, but this one was a grandpa gun not a carnie gun. This is actually what got me started down the gun rabbit hole.
The other is an H&R The American Double Action 32 revolver. I believe it’s from the late 1800’s. I had it checked out a bit by local gunsmith, and he said it was fine, and probably didn’t have many rounds through it. So these were actually my start into the gun world a few years ago. And we all know where things go from there…
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Nice!!!