I recently picked up a Win 1894 AE in .44mag. The serial number is above the researched range available online, but should put it in the mid 1980's. This is the Trapper, with the 16" barrel, 9 shot mag tube.
I got it for a very reasonable price from a gentleman I regularly do business, so I had agreed to purchase it sight unseen, as he assured me it was in "very good" condition. Well it turns out it's not in "very good" condition, it's in NIB condition, which presents me with a dilemma.
I bought it to shoot it, as I find the shorty lever actions a real hoot, but considering the fate of Winchester, and the condition of this example, I'm wondering if I should just toss her in the safe for twenty years and see what the market looks like.
Personally, I'm leaning towards "Shoot the hell out of it" which is what I decided to do with a mint Camp 9 I got earlier this year (BTW, that stock recoil buffer didn't last 100 rounds, good thing I had the aftermarket piece handy), however I'm always looking for input.
So, save it? Shoot it? Whaddya think?
I got it for a very reasonable price from a gentleman I regularly do business, so I had agreed to purchase it sight unseen, as he assured me it was in "very good" condition. Well it turns out it's not in "very good" condition, it's in NIB condition, which presents me with a dilemma.
I bought it to shoot it, as I find the shorty lever actions a real hoot, but considering the fate of Winchester, and the condition of this example, I'm wondering if I should just toss her in the safe for twenty years and see what the market looks like.
Personally, I'm leaning towards "Shoot the hell out of it" which is what I decided to do with a mint Camp 9 I got earlier this year (BTW, that stock recoil buffer didn't last 100 rounds, good thing I had the aftermarket piece handy), however I'm always looking for input.
So, save it? Shoot it? Whaddya think?