Your chances of finding rare guns at the importers are directly proportional to number of people you know who work for the importer and owe you favors. The problem of finding good refurb guns is that even a 1942 dated Tula is likely pretty trashed by the refurb.
The real trick is that you have to be patient and you have to expect to spend twice what you would for refurbs. I know it sounds expensive, but it just means only buying half as many good guns as you would have bought refurb guns. Unless it's a rare date, try to get original guns. Take original guns with mismatched cylinders if you have too. Remember that the cylinders on the refurbs are almost 100% forced matched anyway. In fact, when I hear that a refurb is all matched, I kind of chuckle. New grips, new barrel, new front sight, new cylinder, belt sanded, but all matching!
Recently I managed to get a 1928 dated gun with an armorers replacement cylinder at a recent show for $200. No import marks, just an SA! I also found a matched non-import 1945 Tula for a bit over $200. The other guys who wanted it wouldn't pay more than they would for a refurb, so now its mine. There are an amazing number of variations in the 1942-45 period!
Good hunting!
Joe
