I bought a H&R .45-70 Buffalo Classic several years ago on a whim and it's been hanging over my fireplace ever since. Recently I even bought a box of ammo for it, but I still have not fired it. I keep it clean and oiled so it's not suffering. Since H&R has stopped making rifles, it's got me wondering if I should ever shoot it or keep it unfired to bring a higher price one day if I want to sell it. I figure the resale price on it has already gone up since it's no longer available, but how much of a premium would I really expect on an inexpensive rifle like this if it stays unfired?
Keep it "unfired" or shoot it?
- Thread starter Navy_Guns
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Don't hold your breath waiting for a windfall profit. Unfired with box and papers might get you a few bucks more but it is still "pre owned". Lots of folks like the H&R guns but I don't think the collector value is that great.
Bottom line, shoot it, clean it and don't scratch it. Enjoy it. I had one and it had severe recoil. This from a guy who shoots a couple hundred 12 gauge shells a week.
Bottom line, shoot it, clean it and don't scratch it. Enjoy it. I had one and it had severe recoil. This from a guy who shoots a couple hundred 12 gauge shells a week.
Coyote3855
Member
I vote shoot it. I have a few safe queens - a couple of early unfired S&W revolvers, a pristine original Remington 51, etc., but my others are used.
fouled bore
Member
Go shoot it. Just like people on their death bed never say they wished they had worked more. I also bet none has ever said they are glad they never shot that gun. I believe Jay Leno drives all his cars.
tark
Member
Shoot it and enjoy it. The joy you derive from using it far outweighs any appreciation value it might accumulate over the years.
entropy
Member
Shoot it, unless you are setting it aside for an inheritannce for your great-great grandson; it would be that long before it is collectable enough to realize major profits from keeping it unfired.
I wouldn't have waited that long; sounds like a fun one to hunt with!
I wouldn't have waited that long; sounds like a fun one to hunt with!
Llama Bob
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Maybe I'm confused about what gun this is, but we're talking a fairly common $300ish gun, right? I don't see any likely collectors value there.
I would definitely fire it and have fun.
bannockburn
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Navy_Guns
Well I suppose I would ask you why you bought it in the first place. Did you buy it thinking that it was going to kept LNIB for a future sale or did you get it to shoot it? If it were mine I would shoot it and enjoy it and let someone else figure out what it's worth some where down the road.
Well I suppose I would ask you why you bought it in the first place. Did you buy it thinking that it was going to kept LNIB for a future sale or did you get it to shoot it? If it were mine I would shoot it and enjoy it and let someone else figure out what it's worth some where down the road.
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BSA1
member
Ditto.
H&R' s are not a good long term investment. They are a good shooter grade guns.
If a profit is to made in the short term it will be during the next Hanic in which case it will not matter if it has been fired or not.
H&R' s are not a good long term investment. They are a good shooter grade guns.
If a profit is to made in the short term it will be during the next Hanic in which case it will not matter if it has been fired or not.
fouled bore
Member
^^^+1
grampajack
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I think it really just depends on whether you really plan to sell it or not. I can't speak to its collector value, or the future potential thereof, but I am much more likely to buy a used gun if it's unfired, or even if it just has the box and all the paperwork. If you really plan on selling it, then I would keep it unfired. If you have no immediate plans to sell it, then I would go ahead and shoot it. I've never seen an instance where shooting a gun ruins its collectability, so long as it's not shot out and has been well cared for. Guns are the only thing I know of that can be used and still retain 90% of their retail value, so if it were my gun I would either sell it or just enjoy it.
It's an H&R not an H&H. Shoot it and enjoy. Oh, and post pics!
243winxb
Member
Since H&R has stopped making it, sell now, before it breaks and no parts are available.
grampajack
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That would probably be my first inclination, unless I was just in love with it or it was at least moderately collectible.
A couple of years ago I wanted to buy something different and unusual, at least for me. I went to one of the local pawn shops and they had a used H&R .45-70 Buffalo Classic . It had the gold inlay and buffalo picture on the receiver. I know the people who own the pawn shop so they made me an offer that was hard to refuse, so I I took a couple of day to think about it and do a little research on the rifle. I bought an AR 10 instead.
Shoot it and enjoy it.
Shoot it and enjoy it.
tubeshooter
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I asked my local dealer about unfired guns, and he said about what was indicated in post #2. It will get you a few bucks more, but it's still used and still has to be re-sold as such.
If it's not truly collectible - another vote here for "shoot away". Either that or keep your eyes peeled for that H&R rifle enthusiast.
If it's not truly collectible - another vote here for "shoot away". Either that or keep your eyes peeled for that H&R rifle enthusiast.
Sun Tzu warrior
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I have one I hunt with, the 32" barrel models I have come into contact with are very accurate, while the short barrel models are iffy. With my handloads, the recoil is milder than my .270. It will kill a deer after shooting thru a 6" sweet gum tree. (no need to cut shooting lanes) Just remember, that this rifle has a transfer block safety, you must hold the trigger down until it goes boom. I have had several occasions where people thought their rifle was defective for that reason, it will ding the primer but not enough for ignition.
Shoot it, there is not a lot of working parts, I don't believe it will break, and for sure will not be a collectors item without being the gold inlay version.
STW
Shoot it, there is not a lot of working parts, I don't believe it will break, and for sure will not be a collectors item without being the gold inlay version.
STW
md7
Member
Mistwolf's reply cracked me up.
I agree, shoot and enjoy
I agree, shoot and enjoy
damienph
Member
Another "shoot it" vote. I have one of the early ones marked Wesson & Harrington. It is a surprisingly good shooter.
I wouldn't worry about breaking it, H&R Handi Rifles (which is what the Buffalo Classic really is) are reasonably strong, simple but well made rifles.
Like others have said, no real collector value but good rifles that should last more than one lifetime.
I also have an older Model 157 .22 Hornet with the Mannlicher style forearm. Not worried about breaking it either.
I wouldn't worry about breaking it, H&R Handi Rifles (which is what the Buffalo Classic really is) are reasonably strong, simple but well made rifles.
Like others have said, no real collector value but good rifles that should last more than one lifetime.
I also have an older Model 157 .22 Hornet with the Mannlicher style forearm. Not worried about breaking it either.
cat_IT_guy
Member
If it's mine? Shoot it, without a second thought. I appreciate nice looking gun as much as most. But leaving it on the mantle to me is like buying a sports car and never driving it. Some guys collect to collect, but I like to play with my toys.
fireman 9731
Member
Shoot it! I love mine. 45-70 is a handloaders dream. I started out with heavy thumpers and moved on to light cast bullet loads. Now that is where the fun is at!
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