I lost a friend last year that had an extensive collection of 250 long guns mostly pre64 Winchesters and Savage 99s. I filled a pocket with cash and went to Fairbanks intending to buy a nice 99 and a Marlin 39A......Most of the guns sold at least 50% higher than I expected....The sons were very pleased even after paying the auctioneer 15%.....AND the buyers paid a 10% fee plus $20 FFL transfer fee.
One bidder showed up with a large satchel handcuffed to himself and wearing a gun.....in the front row, of course.
I don't believe I'd attend an auction where the family is allowed to bid......
in the cases i spoke about, small town and was well known what was going on well before the auction date
