What should I do? (sell or no)

[Shane333]

A few years ago my dad gave me a High Standard Supermatic pistol. I think it's the "Tournament" version. It's a pretty high quality target .22 and is a real tack driver. Problem is, I hardly use it. If I'm going to shoot a .22, I prefer my lever action rifle. It would be ideal if I competed in competitions, but I'm a plinker.

I find out that this gun may be worth something, and with it I could get a better self defence gun than the .380 I currently use.

So the question is, should I sell it? If so, does anybody know how much it's worth (very good condition with about 80-85% bluing, two mags, and comes in its box)?

More than anything it's a sentimental piece, but it isn't very practical for me.

 

[wally]

Hang on to it! You'll regret selling it in a few short years, once your finances improve.

Pick up aluminum cans by the side of the road to raise money for a better self-defense gun if you have to, but don't sell your dad's pistol!

--wally.

 

[Ala Dan]

Another vote for "hang on to it", as High Standard pistols are
known for their outstanding durability and survival. Long since
a thing of the past; you will regret selling it! Good Luck~

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Murphster]

I get guns. I get rid of guns. If I could rent guns, I'd probably be better off. Point is I don't buy into collector value, historic value, or anything else like that. I shoot them until I get bored with them and don't shoot them, then I get rid of them. But. I have a couple of guns that were given to me. One by friends at work as a retirement gift and one that was given to me by my wife. Those guns I keep. Not because of what but because of who. If your dad's given you a dozen guns, I'd say dump it if you're not shooting it. But if it's one of very few he's given you, I will agree here with those who say keep it. If you get rid of it, you'll regret it some day. Not because of the gun but because of who gave it to you and what it represents. Call me a sentimental old geezer.

 

[Seventhsword]

Another hang on to it. My dad never gave me any guns.

 

[R.H. Lee]

If you sell it YOU WILL REGRET IT. Guaranteed. Suggest you put it away somewhere (in the attic, underneath a dresser drawer, etc.) so it's out of sight and out of mind. Forget you have it for now. Years from now you'll be glad you did.

 

[Shane333]

Looks like I'll have to keep it.

Dad's given me two guns. This High Standard, and a 1952 Marlin model 39. Wouldn't sell the 39 for anything. It was my college graduation gift and is in excellent condition. Surprisingly, Dad bought the 39 from Abercombie and Fitch (sp?) back around 1960. In San Francisco!

Unfortunately, Dad and I have very different views on firearms. He once did a lot of shooting as a young adult, but now he leaves his guns put away. When he gave me the High Standard, he had to blow 20+ years of the dust off the box. He also doesn't believe in CCW.

I once asked if I could have one of his many .38's, and he said I didn't need one because they were "law enforcement" guns. He'd acquired most of them when he was a US deputy Marshal back in the 70's. He still has his old carry rigs stowed away somewhere. Since then I asked him about the 1911 pistol, and again he made a comment about how he'd never want to carry a gun. Yes, ironic since he did for several years himself. Since then I've avoided talking with him about it. I'm a husband, father, and my own man now so I'll take my own council on the subject.

My point is that it's amazing that he even gave me the guns that he did. In his defence, I'll mention that my dad was born in San Francisco, and except for maybe two years, has lived his entire life within one hours drive of SF. I'm sure the anti-gun environment has taken its toll on him.

I'm pretty sure that I'll inherit the rest of his collection someday, since he knows that I'm the only child (out of seven) that has shown any interest at all in shooting.

Edited to add: When I say "I'll take my own council on the subject," I'm referring to my decision to get a handgun using a cartridge larger than .22.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I like it when people sell High Standards. I've spent the last twenty years looking for a High Standard as good as my 1978 Trophy model. I've come close, but...

If your gun were mine, I wouldn't even consider selling it.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

They're very good guns. My dad left me one too. Almost brand new. Must be 1955-60 vintage. Did yours come with multiple barrels? They snap right in.

Magazines (springs) are the issue. Mine still looks brand new.

I'm leaving it to my boys. I've got the gun split figured out already.

Hopefully, they'll leave them to their kids.

...especially some of the flint muzzleloaders I built. I must have 400 hours in one of them. (carved from a block of curly maple). Leaves nice .54 cal holes right where you expect it too.

Keep the next generation going!

 

[arinvolvo]

the problem is, that old 22 probably isnt worth enough to make the loss in sentimental value worth it.

keep it.

Sell something else that is easily replaceable...like your tv!