010426 hr2

This hour of Eye on the Target Radio opens with Amanda Suffolk and Rob Campbell welcoming listeners and diving into an extended discussion on firearms auctions, collecting, and smart buying strategies. Rob explains that auctions—estate sales, private collections, and auction houses—can be excellent places to find rare or older firearms, but only if buyers do their homework. The hosts emphasize that auction descriptions are often vague, making the buyer responsible for understanding exactly what they are bidding on, including historical details, distinguishing features, and true market value.

Using examples like Thompson submachine gun magazines, Rob explains how collector value can vastly exceed functional value, especially when markings, provenance, or rarity are involved. He stresses the importance of setting firm spending limits ahead of time to avoid getting swept up in bidding wars or emotional decisions driven by competition or irritation with other bidders. Auctions, they note, can result in either incredible bargains or wildly inflated prices depending on the crowd and demand.

The conversation expands into evaluating collectible firearms, focusing on provenance, original boxes, paperwork, serial numbers, and factory documentation. Rob discusses National Match 1911 pistols, explaining how early Army-built models differ from later commercial Colts and how original packaging and documentation can dramatically increase value. They also touch on vintage revolvers, early Marlin rifles, and rare Colt variants like the nickel-plated Banker’s Special, highlighting how historical context and originality matter to collectors.

The hosts then turn to vintage shotguns, addressing safety concerns such as Damascus barrels, chamber length differences, and the necessity of professional gunsmith inspections before firing older firearms. Rob explains exhibition-grade firearms like Winchester “Black Diamond” models, describing their upgraded wood, craftsmanship, and rarity, and how those features contribute to significant collector value.

Later in the hour, Amanda and Rob discuss an unusual incident at a gun show involving loose ammunition discharging after being dropped, reinforcing general safety awareness and careful handling practices, even in situations that seem extremely unlikely.

The program then transitions to an in-depth interview with Charlie Hiltunen, NRA Board of Directors member and reelection candidate. Charlie shares his personal background in shooting sports, law, association management, and decades of lobbying experience, explaining how those skills positioned him to serve during a critical period of organizational turmoil within the NRA. He describes the reform movement within the board, the challenges posed by legal attacks and political pressure, and how a coalition of reform-minded directors helped stabilize the organization financially and operationally.

Charlie and Amanda discuss the impact of reduced firearm sales during periods of political calm, warning that complacency among gun owners can weaken both industry and advocacy organizations. They emphasize the importance of continued engagement, NRA membership, voting in board elections, and supporting multiple Second Amendment organizations to maintain a strong national defense of gun rights.

The hour concludes with Charlie encouraging listeners to research reform candidates through ElectANewNRA.com, visit his personal site CharlieForNRA.com, and actively participate in NRA board elections, stressing that member involvement is essential to preserving the Second Amendment and the long-term strength of the organization.