Quick Range Report - No more unfired revolvers!

[RainDodger]

As I mentioned in a post last week, I happen to be fortunate enough to have 2 previously unfired S&Ws. One is a Model 14-2 (6") made in 1965 and the other is a Model 36 (3") made sometime between '65-'69. Both were new-in-the-box. Last weekend, they became "used"... that's just what I do. I shoot and enjoy my guns.

Both performed perfectly. I mean, it's not like they're semi-automatic and have a bunch of major moving parts. The double action operation is predictably difficult, but the single-action is really superb on both guns. Surprisingly, the trigger on the Model 36 is very nearly as light as that on the Model 14. Neither of them have any perceptible movement in single action. The 36 shoots medium power wadcutters pretty much exactly to point-of-aim for me. With a bit of adjustment, the Model 14 is a really superb target gun. I think the only equal that I've had experience with has been a Python, which did have a markedly better double-action pull, and it was generally smoother throughout. Out of the box though, the Model 14 is very, very nice to shoot.

I think the 3" Model 36 points extremely well - it is quite well balanced, though not as handy to drop in a big pocket as a 2".

For your viewing pleasure, here are two pictures that are a little better than the phone picture I posted last week:

First, the 3" Model 36... note the lack of wear on the cylinder



And next is the Model 14-2, which is pure pleasure to shoot:

 

[aarondhgraham]

Good for you,,,

Now that the seal has been broken,,,
The guns can fulfill their destiny.

But seriously,,,
I would have done the same thing as you did.

Guns are meant to be fired.

Aarond

.

 

[RainDodger]

That they are! Thanks for agreeing! I figured I'd get flack for shooting them, but I gotta say that I was smiling the whole time!

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I have a 3 screw Ruger Blackhawk from the '70's , in a box, that I inherited from my Father in Law. I know it has been shot but certainly not much.



Ain't even got a turn ring on the cylinder. I gotta shoot that gun now.

VooDoo

 

[kcofohio]

I don't know how a person could bear having a gun in the safe they could shoot. But I'm not or couldn't be a collector either!

Congrats on breaking the barrier!

 

[RainDodger]

Yeah... go shoot the single action! They're made to shoot and have fun with, and make you smile. I really think that.

I don't care about the value of my guns - I won't be selling them.

 

[LeonCarr]

I knew a guy that would bring a NIB uncycled Colt 1991A1 .45 to the range every time he went...and never shot it. He would get ready to shoot it and then say "No, I Can't" and put it back in his truck. After about 6 of us talked smack to him about bringing a safe queen to the gun range, he finally shot it. Once that was done he has brought it, and shot it, every range trip after that.

Sometimes you just have to do it instead of keeping expensive never fired paperweights in your gun safe.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[RainDodger]

A friend of mine has a NIB Marlin 39A that belongs to his wife - she hasn't fired a gun since she was a little girl and her dad gave her this one), and he's about to inherit a NIB Ruger Super Blackhawk that is decades old... it's sitting in a safe and has never moved.

There are a lot of guns out there that have never fulfilled their destiny!

 

[788Ham]

I have to agree with you Rain, those revolvers were made to shoot! About 6 months ago, I'd gone into a shop that I frequent regularly, I was immediately presented with two nice gun rugs. Inside one of them was a 6" #14-2, about 98%, I made an offer immediately! Inside the other rug was a 6" #17 , about 98%, I had to really swallow hard before picking this one up, first one I've ever seen. I bought the #14 that evening, had to wait 'til Tue. before I got the #17. I am the third owner for both of these revolvers, no box or dox, but that doesn't matter to me, I'm going to shoot them! That #14 is the nicest revolver I've ever shot , well, besides that #17, hands down! OH, both of mine were made in '51.
You ddi a magnificent job son, you did a nice job on both of them, now shoot the tar out of them!!

 

[Normandy]

I bought an M1A 'Loaded' a couple years back. I was the 4th owner, but the first one to shoot the thing. I enjoy it a lot!

 

[RainDodger]

I had never shot a 14 before this one... I've got a 4" Masterpiece (pre-Model 15) that my dad bought in 1955, but I've never shot a 6". It's soooooo nice!

I'm amazed no one has said I did a bad thing by shooting them!

 

[bannockburn]

Having a Model 14 and not shooting it would be like having Ford Mustang from the same time period and not driving it. They're both meant to be used and enjoyed for the purpose to which they were designed and made for.

 

[Old Fuff]

If you buy an older classic handgun (revolvers in particular) that is in like-new condition with a higher-then-usual collector's value - by all means shoot them if that's your intention.

But keep in mind that you are throwing away money - but of course it is your money.

On the other hand if you buy the same gun that's in perfect mechanical condition, but has a little finish wear you can spend less in the first place by not going head-to-head with deep pocketed collectors, and have a perfectly good shooter. Also in the future if you decide (or have to) trade or sell it you won't lose a second time because of depreciation, since your like-new/unfired gun isn't that anymore.

Of course some say they have no intention of trading or selling, but sometimes future events don't turn out as expected.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Hey man, I was just going to pm you and ask how they shot. Sounds pretty nice! congrats on breaking the hearts of collectors everywhere! I grin thinking of the notion.

 

[Old Fuff]

Sounds pretty nice! congrats on breaking the hearts of collectors everywhere! I grin thinking of the notion.

Grin away...

Each time the pool of any collectable firearm (presuming like-new condition) is reduced the value of the remainder (often in the hands of collectors already) goes up.

Of course collectors in the future will have to pay more to get what they want, but many - if not most - are not strapped for funds.

If that wasn't so the price spread between collectable vs. shooter grade guns wouldn't be as much as it sometimes is.

The Old Fuff often takes advantage of this by buying shooter grade when he wants a gun to use, and seldom forks out the money for a collectable unless he has a very good reason to do so.

 

[RainDodger]

Thanks, Kodiak!

Old Fuff, I understand where you're coming from. In my case, I'm not throwing away money at all.... at least not my money. Maybe my estate's money, when that day comes. Or maybe the money belonging to some individual that gets their grubby little mitts on these guns... but only if my relatives don't turn them in to someone for destruction!

 

[03fatboy]

Way to go, don't ever feel bad about shooting your pistols.

You are doing what they are made to do, not sitting in the safe.
Enjoy them.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Each time the pool of any collectable firearm (presuming like-new condition) is reduced the value of the remainder (often in the hands of collectors already) goes up.

Very true Fuff.

Of course the inverse is somewhat true too., and in this case equally if not more important. When the like new condition gun gets moved from the "collectors piece" category, to the "cherished, but usable heirloom from a loved one" category, and the owner relishes shooting the guns for the memories of loved ones the activity generates, the value is no longer measured in dollars, and far far exceeds collector's value.

I agree with you too fuff on the merits of getting a shooting grade gun if you are in the market. I learned something about myself as a collector/shooter. I have shooters which will show wear, and that's A ok with me. But the ones I'm interested in collecting are OLD guns that have historic significance. I like old WW I and pre WW guns for that reason, and I think it is neat to see how modern designs built off of the old. In that circumstance, I am willing to pay good money for a gun I will likely never shoot. Though, the reason is more because of a lack of availability of parts should something break.

Raindodger, I forgot to mention in the email I just sent you, you inspired me man. I happened to find some 32 S&W Long ammo at my local shop. I bought a box of 50 rounds and am intending to take out my 3rd Model Hand Ejector from 1923, and put some rounds down the pipe. This is the one I mentioned in the other thread that I bought with an inheritance from my grand dad, and happens to bare his date of birth on the grip.

Looking forward to finally shooting her. I've had her for over a year, and haven't done so yet.

 

[CraigC]

But keep in mind that you are throwing away money.....

No, I'm spending it, big difference.

 

[JWR]

As I mentioned in a post last week, I happen to be fortunate enough to have 2 previously unfired S&Ws. One is a Model 14-2 (6") made in 1965 and the other is a Model 36 (3") made sometime between '65-'69. Both were new-in-the-box. Last weekend, they became "used"... that's just what I do. I shoot and enjoy my guns.

Has it started to bother you yet ? I could have never done that with guns dating back 50 years. Can you imagine what they where worth. It's almost sacrilegious in some ways I feel. Even if you had never plan to sell them, unfired like that is what they call museum quality.
Oh well. Saw this thread yesterday and was curious about it, almost wished I'd not visit it. Leaves a sick feeling inside.

Well there your guns and as you say you shoot and enjoy. Have fun and hope as you age it never starts to gnaw at ya. Considering now that they are no more special than a pawn shop S&W.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Well there your guns and as you say you shoot and enjoy. Have fun and hope as you age it never starts to gnaw at ya. Considering now that they are no more special than a pawn shop S&W.

They are a lot more special than pawn shop finds. Hear is the original thread so you know the context. His reason for shooting them will make more sense if you read it.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=772196

 

[JWR]

Makes no sense to me but there his guns.

 

[03fatboy]

In the end does it really matter what they are or should be worth?

life is way to short to worry about it, I would shoot and enjoy them.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I completely understand and support the collectors....I love to see this stuff preserved and if someone is astute enough to profit from their research, knowledge and expertise on collectible firearms then I'm all for that.

Unfortunately, to my Fathers dismay, I don't care much about money past having food, shelter, and health care and I am blessed with that. I get a he kick out of shooting and guns, no matter how rare or expensive, were created to shoot projectiles. I don't look at it as if I'm devaluing a gun by shooting it or losing money as much as I am supporting the profitability of the unfired guns and supporting collectors profitability.

VooDoo

 

[RainDodger]

Finally! Someone that says "no" to shooting them, although it's way too late for that.

I don't understand the people that own guns they don't shoot! These guns will never leave my possession, and they're worth just as much to me now (or more) than a few days ago before I shot them. Monetary value is nothing. Why would I even keep guns and not shoot them, if I'm never going to sell them for the money? There are far better ways to make money than saving an unfired gun for years.

When you get to the bottom line, that's what makes this country so great. We can all pursue the particular happiness that floats our own boats...

More power to the collectors who do their thing... but I'll shoot mine. I think we've probably beat this dead horse enough now that we finally got a dissenting opinion.