Inherited gun a safe queen?

[TedP]

We all know that a gun that sits in the safe and is never or rarely used is referred to as a "safe queen". I always viewed it as a derogatory term.

My question, can a bun or collection of guns that have been handed down from family be classified as safe queens or are they exempt?

All in fun.

 

[sharkhunter2018]

Derogatory? Out of curiosity, I wonder how you think safe queen being a derogatory term. Unless I'm missing something, I don't see a link here.

With that said, I don't see why family guns couldn't be a safe queen(s). But that would depend on either the condition of them or if you are one of those that think it is pointless to own a safe queen because they can't shoot it for any certain reason.

For me, none of the guns in my family are in exceptional condition to be considered a safe queen. Therefore they would all get plenty of use.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I suppose they could be referred to as such. However, I don't find the term "safe queen" to be a negative thing. My Remmy 870 12ga is a safe queen... I only take it out to the desert 2-3 times each summer and run about 100 rounds through to make sure it still works.
It is however my go-to gun... the defender of my castle (AKA: 2-bdrm apt)... and perhaps my favorite defensive weapon. But it does sit in the safe 362 days out of the year. As long as the gun is stored with a thin coat of oil covering the metal parts, it will be ready when I need it.

 

[TedP]

Sorry, maybe my opinion that the term is derogatory come from my understanding of how it is used (at least sometimes) here. Like, "There is no room in my collection for safe queens!"

Or in other places, "Look at that jacked up truck! Too bad it is a pavement queen!"

For me, I have a collection of guns that for no other reason but my limited time (right now) are what someone might call a "safe queen". Or at least, they have seen nothing but the inside of the safe and the regular inspection for years.

So I think the term is used in a derogatory fashion, but I do not believe that it is bad to have guns that are not used regularly.

Am I being at all clear?

Like said, all in good fun. Just an odd thought I had while reading the forums.

 

[halfded]

Owning a gun you never shoot is like owning a car you never drive... pointless. Grandpa's old lever action was made to shoot just like the old porsche 356b he had in the garage was made to drive (not my grandpa by the way ).

 

[armoredman]

There are exceptions. A revolver passed down on my wife's side of the family will always be a safe queen, a Colt SAA Tombstone Commemoritive with an ink signature of John Wayne on one grip. Cyclinder has never been turned. Won't get passed to me, but the guy who gets it will also store it out of the light of day for the next 50 years.

 

[Rockwell1]

A revolver passed down on my wife's side of the family will always be a safe queen, a Colt SAA Tombstone Commemoritive with an ink signature of John Wayne on one grip.

There is , of course, some distinction between a "safe queen" and a collector's item

 

[seale]

This thread is anti woman. It bashes women by using the word "queen" to refer to a gun that just sits there and does nothing but look good.

Of course I'm saying this tongue in cheek, and partially out of frustration for how quick most people are now to accuse you of "bashing women" (which reminds me of the people who go around accusing everyone of "cop bashing") /rant

 

[EHL]

I think guns are best when they are actually used as such. Having safe queens is like the guy who owns 200 cars and doesn't drive but two of them. With the exception of the family heirlooms with John Wayne's signature on it, I would want to go out and shoot my grandpa's or dad's gun just to show I appreciate them leaving it to me.

 

[Lightninstrike]

Heck, I have two of them.

 

[Ala Dan]

If so, I own several "safe queens"~!

 

[Duke of Doubt]

A gun which never shoots is like one of the sad little gifts on the Island of Misfit Toys, waiting for Santa to come and take them to a child who will love and appreciate them.

Well, except for commemorative guns. But I don't have any of THOSE.

 

[JWF III]

I voted "Huh?" simply because I don't see it as derogatory. Yes I do own "safe queens" as some might call it. But each one is a VG -Exc all original firearm. Much (or any in one case) shooting would greatly diminish their value.

To me, the derogative use of safe queen refers to a new(er) production firearm, that although is nice, is nothing special. And sits in a safe for fear of scratching.

Basically, guns are for shooting, but history is for preserving. There is a line that has to separate the two. And only the owner of said guns can make that distinction.

Wyman

BTW-I do own one safe queen by my definition, a Henry Golden Boy that I bought for my dad the Father's Day before he passed away. Since he never got a chance to shoot it. I swore to myself that I wouldn't be the first. Someday I'll have a child that'll receive a beautiful rifle when he/she comes home from the hospital.

 

[whitefeather]

I am both a shooter and a collector. I have shot MOST of my guns at one time or another and there are a few that get shot fairly often (that's the "shooter" side of me).

There are others that will NEVER be shot by me due to their collectible status (i.e. unfired classics, antique status, rare caliber, etc..... that's the "collector" side of me).

Quality, big name guns like old Colts, Winchesters and S&W's tend to appreciate in value exponentially over the years. It sure is nice knowing that some of my "safe queens" can be counted on to pad the old bank account very nicely if necessary.

 

[Tirod]

Taking the strict standard from the knife users society, a safe queen is never ever used for it's intended purpose, just admired, idolized, knelt down to, and worshipped as the defining object that describes the ultimate expression of the owners vast ego.

(Lighting candles and incense to open vault.)

Nope, all user's here.

Oh humble me.



Oops, forgot about that 870 pump I bought that's never been fired. I keep forgetting there's a turkey season now.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Everything I own is utilitarian and gets used. I don't have any that have been inherited yet. I will in the future have a couple that become queens. 1 or 2 are collector grade(1 very old Buffalo Bill octagonal barrel 30-30 lever, never fired) , the rest will be used.

 

[2RCO]

My family guns have all been well abused. My favorite is a Belgian Sweet Sixteen that wood not grade out real well that sits in the safe along with some pristine examples of prewar superposeds.

 

[threefeathers]

Yes usually safe queens that are cherished and preserved

 

[DC3-CVN-72]

A few yrs. ago I bought a like new with box & paperwork V code Colt Python, Blued with a 4 in. bbl. spisificly to pass down to my son as an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation, and to be kept in this condition. I have a few nice guns and he can shoot them untill they wear out and use them for paper weights, but that Colt python I wish for him to pass on down in time so that when the story is told about the gun it starts with me and my great,great,great grandson or granddoughter will think of me, smile, and know that I love them even though we have never met.

 

[model of 1905]

My dad's Model of 1905 is what could be referred to as a safe queen. I haven't shot it in over 25 years but I have shot it and furthermore I would have no qualms about shooting it again. I know the gun works, I just have enough other guns and that one is special, so it will remain a "safe queen".

 

[model of 1905]

A few yrs. ago I bought a like new with box & paperwork V code Colt Python, Blued with a 4 in. bbl. spisificly to pass down to my son as an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation, and to be kept in this condition. I have a few nice guns and he can shoot them untill they wear out and use them for paper weights, but that Colt python I wish for him to pass on down in time so that when the story is told about the gun it starts with me and my great,great,great grandson or granddoughter will think of me, smile, and know that I love them even though we have never met.

I think that is very cool but in my mind might be even cooler if every generation fired at least one cartridge of rounds for the experience. Every gun should be fired. Just my idea.