To shoot or not too shoot?

[jpalusk]

That is the question.

When my grandpa passed away in 2007 I recieved all of his guns because none of the rest of my family was interested. They were mostly old farm guns coated in rust, but there were a few nice ones. The ones that are currently in my gun rack are a post WW2 Winchester model 61 pump action 22lr that isnt in great shape but still shoots great and a Browning A5. The Browning is the one I have a question about. It is a Belgium made Magnum 20with a vent rib barrel that my granpa bought new in the fifties. I cant remember exactly but it was either made in 53 or 58. When I was growing up he always told me that be bought it, stuck it in the sock, and put it in the closet. He always said that he never shot it. The gun is still in new in the box condition and supposedly unshot. I have the black envelope and booklet but no box. I have always said I wouldnt shoot it because he didnt but lately I have had the craving to give it a try. I'm not ever planning on selling it but would this affect the value? I finally decided that I couldnt ever prove it was unshot anyway. Would you guys shoot it or leave it as a show piece?

 

[oneounceload]

Shoot it - that's what it was designed for

 

[elrowe]

Another vote to shoot, recoil builds better memories than staring. You can always show them off once they're cleaned up, but telling stories about what you did with them makes the history richer. That's the real "value" of an heirloom gun if you're never planning to sell it.

Contact Browning, they'll be able to tell you the manuf. date from the serial number, and maybe some more background.

 

[wishn4more]

I have my father in law's A5 (12 gauge). It's beautiful to me (even though it's not perfect -- surface rust). I know it had been fired, so not a lot of worries about preserving the integrity. I shoot it when I want and clean it.
My 2 cents about your "new" A5: if you choose to shoot it, then shoot it. Don't just shoot it once just because you're just curious about an A5 and put it back in the sock for the next decade ... Either it's a shooter or a looker; you know we love shooters around here!
Be advised that the A5 I have kicks worse than any shotgun I have ever fired, and is rude, even with a limbsaver. I think I shook a filling out last time I shot it.
Regards,
Charlie

 

[drsfmd]

And do NOT shoot it with steel shot! You'll run a serious possibility of a ring bulge.

 

[rcmodel]

Be advised that the A5 I have kicks worse than any shotgun I have ever fired,

If you have the friction rings properly adjusted for the power of the loads you are using, it kicks no worse then a lot of other semi-auto shotguns, and less then a pump, single-shot, or double.

If you shoot heavy loads or magnums with the friction rings set for light loads, it will smack you around a little.

But thats not a gun problem.
It is operator error.

rc

 

[EMC45]

If you never plan on selling it, then value (other than sentimental) is of no consequence right? Shoot it. You will be glad you did.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I don't have the blue book of guns but I suspect it is worth less than $1000 and isn't a rare model. To me, I would rather enjoy it given its likely max potential value.

 

[303tom]

Shoot em.................

 

[forindooruseonly]

Shoot it and take care of it. It will look great for a long time unless you neglect it or handle it roughly. Sure, it will have the tell-tale signs of being shot, but it can easily remain a 98% gun with a little TLC, which won't drag the value down to pure shooter grade A-5.

 

[rehorne]

Shoot the dog snot out of it!! That's what it was made for. Just keep it clean and a light coat of oil on the outside. You will be glad you did!

 

[1KPerDay]

Shoot it. Make grampa smile.

 

[SleazyRider]

I have my father in law's A5 (12 gauge). It's beautiful to me (even though it's not perfect -- surface rust). I know it had been fired, so not a lot of worries about preserving the integrity. I shoot it when I want and clean it.
My 2 cents about your "new" A5: if you choose to shoot it, then shoot it. Don't just shoot it once just because you're just curious about an A5 and put it back in the sock for the next decade ... Either it's a shooter or a looker; you know we love shooters around here!
Be advised that the A5 I have kicks worse than any shotgun I have ever fired, and is rude, even with a limbsaver. I think I shook a filling out last time I shot it.
Regards,
Charlie

With all due respect, I beg to differ. I find my 12-gauge A-5 so gentle that it is my only shotgun without a recoil pad---none needed.

 

[1KPerDay]

Yep, the A-5 recoil is just like a baby's kiss. LOL

 

[Skyshot]

Since you don't have the box, shoot it and enjoy it. I hope you have someone in your family you can pass it on down to. Keep grandpa's legacy going.

 

[mljdeckard]

I had a similar dilemma when I inherited my father's and grandfather's guns. There is an old '97 16 ga that needs to be restored, and a 1917 Enfield that has been sporterized. So, the question is, do I customize them and shoot them, or leave them as is? I decided that if he were still here, he would say shoot them, that's what they're for. I'm never selling them, so market value is entirely irrelevant.

 

[bushmaster1313]

I would shoot it on Grandpa's birthday

 

[Liberty1776]

Shoot the hell out of it. Your grandson will use it and show it and it will be as much of a show piece if you and the next two generations wear all the finish off.

CHOOT IT LIZABETH, CHOOT IT!!!!

 

[doublehaul]

Ditto on the friction ring adjustment. If your A5 kicks too hard, it is not set up properly. The Browning website (and many others) will have diagrams and instructions.

 

[788Ham]

If it were mine, I'd take it to a reputable smith and have him clean the insides up good, then have it lubed, any oil on it since the 50's is probably stiff and rank. Then get that thing outside and fill the sky with lead!

 

[Salmoneye]

Shoot.