Looking for opinions

[Breakingben21]

An additional point in my particular situation: nobody in my immediate family knows the history of this gun, and I'm not going to tell them. I'm going to try to build some positive memories and connections with it and when I leave this world hopefully the next generation will get to enjoy it and will only remember it as one of "dad's guns." Your situation may be different, and you may choose to tell people. I just choose not to, because I can't see any upside personally. Maybe "this was one of Grandpa's favorite guns" would be sufficient. But that's a personal choice.

That’s a great point. My wife knows of its history but I would like to eventually pass it down to my son when the time comes. I do have positive associations with the firearm despite its history. I’d like to pass on the positive ones to my son one day.

 

[Hartkopf]

Another point to consider is; are you suicidal? Have you ever been suicidal or had thoughts of it? If so, you might should sell that gun ASAP. Sometimes genetic traits skip a generation, mixed with sentimental feelings and items, could be a problem. (I'm not trying to get overly personal here but I can't help but mention this)

 

[LaneP]

It depends on your mental connection to it and whether you would be bothered. My younger brother took his life in the early 80's with a cheap RG .22 LR revolver. It was taken by the sheriff deputy that was dispatched to the scene. We never asked for it and it was never offered back.

 

[Breakingben21]

Another point to consider is; are you suicidal? Have you ever been suicidal or had thoughts of it? If so, you might should sell that gun ASAP. Sometimes genetic traits skip a generation, mixed with sentimental feelings and items, could be a problem. (I'm not trying to get overly personal here but I can't help but mention this)

I definitely appreciate your concern. No I’m not currently or have ever felt that way. I don’t view my grandfather any differently because of his actions but I personally don’t believe that to ever be an option for myself as I view life as a gift to be cherished, no matter what happens in my life. I’ve also witnessed the devastation that action caused my family, and couldn’t ever imagine putting my family through that no matter the circumstances. But I do greatly appreciate you bringing that up

 

[borrowedtime69]

I had one of my wife's family take their life with hunting rifle they had. For now I am in possession of it until their kid says they want it or that I can have it. It's beautiful firearm that was made when the company still made good guns.

One thing of note, I wouldn't share with a buyer or advertise that it is a suicide gun, there are people out there that want a gun with a body on it and will pay good money on it.

As for my situation, if I get to keep it I'm debating on keeping it stock or turn it into a tactical type rifle. My deepest condolences on your father. My dad died in my arms of cancer and that was tough enough. Having seen what happens to a family after a loss like yours, It's just a terrible situation. Peace on you and yours!

 

[Breakingben21]

I had one of my wife's family take their life with hunting rifle they had. For now I am in possession of it until their kid says they want it or that I can have it. It's beautiful firearm that was made when the company still made good guns.

One thing of note, I wouldn't share with a buyer or advertise that it is a suicide gun, there are people out there that want a gun with a body on it and will pay good money on it.

As for my situation, if I get to keep it I'm debating on keeping it stock or turn it into a tactical type rifle. My deepest condolences on your father. My dad died in my arms of cancer and that was tough enough. Having seen what happens to a family after a loss like yours, It's just a terrible situation. Peace on you and yours!

Thank you very much. I wish peace on you and your family as well!

 

[herrwalther]

I know how the conflict you are in feels. One of my soldiers took his life with his Sig p220. His mother asked me about a year after if I wanted it. I declined. There are times where I wish I had it as a keepsake to him but there are times where it would not feel right holding onto it. In the end, I say keep it. You will never be able to get it back once it is sold.

 

[SSN Vet]

Tough call... too personal a topic for a stranger to "advise", but the replies have been thoughtful and prompt different ways to look at things.

One consideration along those lines would pivot around the circumstances of the suicide. And while one can speculate about what was going on in another persons head, they may well have had information influencing their decision that only they knew... and without them writing it down, you'll never know... at least not on this side of eternity.

 

[Breakingben21]

I know how the conflict you are in feels. One of my soldiers took his life with his Sig p220. His mother asked me about a year after if I wanted it. I declined. There are times where I wish I had it as a keepsake to him but there are times where it would not feel right holding onto it. In the end, I say keep it. You will never be able to get it back once it is sold.

I’m sorry for your loss and I appreciate your input, thank you.

 

[eyeshot]

It wasn't the gun's fault.

True! However, I do think it is kind of morbid to keep it around. Especially if it's a conversation piece as it is now.

Sad what your Grandfather did to himself but his life his choice. Keep it, sell it or melt it is your choice. I like FL-NC's response too.

 

[Space Ghost]

I could never understand why people do that. That's a memory of him you'll always have no matter what.
However, unless you take the gun itself shooting, that's the only memory you will every have with that particular thing...
Me personally, I'd either sell it, or shoot it.

 

[Twisted Chemist]

I’m looking for opinions about a firearm that I own. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum that was my grandfathers. He took his own life with this firearm back in ‘99. I’ve been in possession of it since I was 16 and have never fired it. I’ve always had a love of firearms and enjoyed them my whole life. I’ve recently been collecting more firearms and been going to the range more often so I’ve been debating taking this firearm. I just don’t know how to feel about this situation considering everything. I’m just looking for some opinions from ya’ll on what you would personally do, use the firearm or just keep it in the safe. I apologize if this content is too dark for this site. My grandfather was the most important person in my life growing up and I don’t have many of his things of his so I’m not considering destroying it because it was a prized possession of his. Again, I apologize if my question is too disturbing but I just wanted some objective opinions from other firearm owners.

Pick it up, if you have fond memories of your Grandad keep it and shoot it in his memory. If you pick it up and feel uneasy, depressed, anxious or a sense of dread then either sell it, trade it or put it in the bottom of the gun safe, out of sight, until you have come to terms or pass it down to your children.

No apologies needed, this is a real life situation that needs to be addressed. Hope you find help from the nice folks here.

 

[bearman49709]

Reading your reply's to other poster's it looks to me like you would injoy shooting your Grandfather's gun. Take it out and give it a try, if your not happy with it after that leave it in the safe.

 

[Waveski]

You asked for input. To give it , I have to put myself in your shoes…
If, as you stated, you have positive feelings of association to your late gramma by way of that gun , then take it out and use it for it’s intended purpose. On the other hand , if there is an underlying discomfort that prevents you from doing so - I would rid myself of that negative association.

That’s how I would deal with it ; your family, your gun , your call.

 

[tuckerdog1]

Several people here have recommended getting rid of the gun. That option was never mentioned in your original post. Just to shoot or not to shoot. That's a tough question. If your Grandfather was looking over your shoulder right now, what do you think he'd be telling you? And even though you did not ask if you should keep it or get rid of it, keep it. Even if at some time you feel parting with it is the right thing to do, if you change your mind later, it's gone and cannot be replaced.

 

[skfullen]

Trade it for a firearm you want. Consider the new firearm as a gift from your grandfather and a new start - cherish it as such and pass it down accordingly.

 

[readyeddy]

Objectively it’s just a gun. But objectivity imo has little relevance in your decision. He was your grandfather and whatever you choose to do is the right decision.

 

[hso]

opinions from ya’ll on what you would personally do, use the firearm or just keep it in the safe.

That's a deeply personal decision that very much depends upon whether you have remembrances of him like a watch, pocket knife, tools, etc. that could serve without the tragic association.

 

[Archie]

I do not believe in either ghosts or 'curses'. I do however not just believe, but confirm "bad memories".

Do you have use (need is sometimes a useless consideration) for this sort of firearm? Are you so depressed by the memories caused by the arm to affect your outlook? Sounds to me like you need to resolve the conflict there.

I would think of it as a token, remembering my Grandfather. But I have an outlook that can do that sort of thing. However, that mechanical device acted as it was directed. I do not think punishing it is appropriate.

 

[doubleh]

I’m looking for opinions about a firearm that I own. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum that was my grandfathers. He took his own life with this firearm back in ‘99. I’ve been in possession of it since I was 16 and have never fired it. I’ve always had a love of firearms and enjoyed them my whole life. I’ve recently been collecting more firearms and been going to the range more often so I’ve been debating taking this firearm. I just don’t know how to feel about this situation considering everything. I’m just looking for some opinions from ya’ll on what you would personally do, use the firearm or just keep it in the safe. I apologize if this content is too dark for this site. My grandfather was the most important person in my life growing up and I don’t have many of his things of his so I’m not considering destroying it because it was a prized possession of his. Again, I apologize if my question is too disturbing but I just wanted some objective opinions from other firearm owners.

If it were mine I would keep it, shoot it, and use it to remember the good times I had with my grandfather and how important he was to you. The gun is simply a tool and bears no blame in what your grandfather used it for.

 

[DustyGmt]

If your grandfather was a positive force in your life and you think he'd tell you to go for it, go for it. Since you even have to ask, you must have a desire to shoot it and obviously think fondly of your grandfather so I'd consider shooting it and if it winds up being a stark reminder or is just a token of bad feelings and you can't shoot it without thinking of his suicide, maybe it's a good idea to put it up and just store it.

I understand that it's become more than an inanimate object and is kind of a marker of a terrible tragedy, but then again if he'd made his unfortunate decision in a '68 Cutlass Supreme do you think he'd want it sold for scrap, or would he prefer that his beloved grandson put some mileage on it, forgive and move on....

These are the kinds of questions only you can answer having known him and knowing your own boundaries, but I don't see a problem with it while I know its not for me to say. I imagine I would probably take it out and shoot it and try to reflect on fond memories you share, unless he was a wicked man that I hated or something. You decide what's best for you but from what lil I can glean from your post, he was a positive force in your life and would probably approve and say go shoot it grandson....