Colonel Bubbie's Strand Surplus Senter, Galveston

I loved going into this place every time we would go down to The Strand, and back in the 80's they still had some good stuff at reasonable prices but I wouldn't buy anything in there now, rude staff, prices are WAY too high, a rip off. Still, pretty cool place to look around and get out of the heat in the summer...

Holy cow! Where do I start? The vast array of surplus is the only positive that I can think of. Rude staff and high prices will keep me away until Alzheimer's kicks in. I collect WW1 & WW2 surplus. This was the reason that I stopped by the store. I called before I went by and asked if the advertised WW1 & 2 surplus was original. To this question, I was told yes. When I got to the store, less than 10% of what was advertised was 100% original period surplus. The manager told me that I must not be use to looking at good surplus. LOL! I've been collecting surplus for 25 years! I think that I might deserve a bit more credit than the average person off of the street.

I purchased some M-1 Carbine 30-rd Magazine pouches from Col Bubbie which were advertised as "new". When the pouches finally arrived the black rivets were corroded so badly that they had removed all of the black finish. The canvas was shot. When I contacted Col Bubbie personally he contended that they were "new". Buyer beware. Internet and mail order sales should be avoided.

This place has some really cool stuff in it but he charges so frikkin' much it is rediculuous. For example, I found the same cammo/manufacturer/ material...etc. at 80% less than what he charged at Top Brass! Just about everything he had that Top Brass has is Sky High!!!!