Buying A Classic Gun And Shooting It

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I am a big fan of "classic" weapons, but my rule is that if I can't shoot it, I don't want it. I suppose there are some exceptions to that rule, especially if it turns out the weapon has some particularly interesting historic value or something, but as a general rule, I want to shoot my guns. Plus, to tell you the truth, I can't afford cherry, unfired "collectable" guns. If you want to carry one, I say go for it. If you are confident with the gun, and you trust the gun to function, then why not? As it happens, my main carry piece is a pretty new revolver, but my main bedside gun is an old S&W .38, a picture of which is included.
 

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I own very few "new" guns, I prefer the old walnut and blue steel over plastic and stainless. I shoot my 100+ year old firearms all the time. Though I do make special light loads for them to ease wear and tear. I leave the unfired classics to the collectors, and buy firearms to shoot.
 
Guns is made for shooting......not looking at.

I would really love to have a Colt 1908 in .380.....one day I will. When I do shes getting slid into some leather and riding along with me.
 
I read some time ago that if you don't shoot your gun you are just saving it for somebody else to have when you are dead and gone. I hope all my guns are worn out by the time I die. If I get something too nice to shoot, I sell it to a collector and buy 3 more in lesser condition to shoot!!! :D
 
I wanted a S&W model 18 for shooting. The one that I finally got was 1967 NIB with original papers and tools. Couldn't bring myself to shoot it for a long time because it was such a nice gun. I instead purchased other .22 guns for the range. Finally one day I decided to shoot the NIB 18, and don't regret it. It is the best shooting .22 revolver I have ever owned. The value of the gun probably went down over a hundred bucks by shooting it, but the experience was well worth it.
 
I have a number of pre ww2 firearms I shoot regularly.

Granted I didn't get any of them as 'new' but still, shoot 'em, unless they've never been shot or have some historical significance.
 
Two years ago, when I graduated from college, I bought my first handgun, a NIB Colt Detective Special. After a lot of research, handling, and shooting, I determined it fit my needs best and simply sought it out like I would any other purchase. I quickly bought a second, also NIB. At $500 each, it was a no-brainer.

All of you revolver collectors should serve me well. While you're currently driving the price of Colt revolvers to ridiculous new highs (my kingdom for a reasonably priced 4" .22lr Diamondback!), you're also keeping them off the market, exposing fewer new shooters to their true quality. When you all kick the bucket, I'll be the one quietly buying pieces from your collections. :)
 
At this time in my life, if i won't shoot it, i'll sell or trade it to someone who collects guns.

Now, when my financial situation changes, I will probably buy guns and just set them aside for the future.

Heck, my two year plan is to load up on high cap guns and magazines, just in case.:evil:

Steve
 
Every classic or rare gun I acquire, I shoot! I just found my Sig P220 in 38Super that I've been looking for for 3 years. I'm just waiting on my ammo to get here so I can work it out!
 
It is interesting how various old guns prices and desireablity goes over ther years. My 1906 Winchester .22 Expert model is an example. My dad gave it to me in the early 60's when I turned 12 as his dad had done for him. Even though I liked the gun because it was mine, I really preferred the long octagon barreled 1890's and 1906's with straight stocks that my friends owned over my 1906 Expert with pistol grip stock, 20" short barrel and nickle plated receiver. I almost traded it for what I wanted nore than once but didn't. Nowadays my rifle is worth between $1500-2000 or more and I can buy a Taurus reproduction of the rifle I always wanted for less than $300.00. It is funny how these things work out in life. A while back I started a thread about whether to keep or sell the rifle and most of the replies said keep it as it is a family heirlom. Fortunately your replies made me realise the error of even thinking of selling such an heirloom. I am keeping it safe and saving my money for the repros of the guns I want. Thank You
 
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