Inherited a Suicide Gun - Page 3

kozak6 · January 4, 2014, 03:59 AM

It's completely and totally a personal call. How do you feel about it?

If it belonged to a relative I never met, it might not be a problem. It might feel a little weird to own and shoot, but I certainly wouldn't have any problem selling it.

If it belonged to someone a bit closer, it would depend on the specifics of what the gun means in the context of the relationship and suicide.

If it was immediate family and and the firearm would only serve as a reminder of sadness and loss, I might ask the police to destroy it.

jpbean · January 4, 2014, 08:20 AM

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Sell it and use the proceeds to buy something positive by which to remember your relative.

pathdoc · January 4, 2014, 06:58 PM

I have no idea what to do with it. Somehow, I don't think it will fit in alongside my 10/22s.

This makes it sound like it's a gun you'd never have bought even if it hadn't had the grim history attached. In that case, you might want to go towards sale or trade. If you sold it or traded it, I would consider it my duty to inform the buyer (privately) of the history before they were legally committed to the sale. They might not want a gun that'd been used in a suicide either.

Ask yourself also, "If the relative had died of something else, ANYTHING else, would I still want or keep the gun?" If the answer to that question is no, again, getting rid of it may be the preferable option.

If the suicide aspect makes you feel nervous about passing it on, consider offering it to a gunsmith for reduction to spare parts. Only if it's really spooking the hell out of you would I advise destruction.

If the relative meant a lot to you, and you have fond memories of shooting together, that might act as a spur to keep it and shoot it in their memory - but this is a thing only you can decide. I've heard of people shooting a tiny pinch of their loved ones' ashes in their memory, in a gun they used to own, pressed into a hollow point bullet or mixed (in small volume) in with the powder (if reloading or muzzle loading are options). You might consider a gesture like that if you felt it appropriate, before sending the gun on its way.

Brotherbadger · January 6, 2014, 02:06 AM

I'd sell it for something I'd use. Personally I could never look at it without remembering that person/event. I don't need that constant reminder in my gun safe.

View Poll Results: What to do?
Sell it to buy another gun.	51	38.64%
Keep it as a family heirloom/keepsake.	13	9.85%
Use it like any other gun.	58	43.94%
Destroy it.	10	7.58%
Voters: 132. You may not vote on this poll

January 6, 2014, 02:06 AM	#54
Brotherbadger Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2010 Posts: 1,149	I'd sell it for something I'd use. Personally I could never look at it without remembering that person/event. I don't need that constant reminder in my gun safe. __________________ Once Fired Brass, Top quality, Fast shipping, Best prices. http://300AacBrass.com/ -10% Coupon use code " badger "

January 4, 2014, 03:59 AM	#51
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 3,113	It's completely and totally a personal call. How do you feel about it? If it belonged to a relative I never met, it might not be a problem. It might feel a little weird to own and shoot, but I certainly wouldn't have any problem selling it. If it belonged to someone a bit closer, it would depend on the specifics of what the gun means in the context of the relationship and suicide. If it was immediate family and and the firearm would only serve as a reminder of sadness and loss, I might ask the police to destroy it.

January 4, 2014, 08:20 AM	#52
jpbean Junior Member Join Date: January 1, 2014 Posts: 4	I am sorry to hear of your loss. Sell it and use the proceeds to buy something positive by which to remember your relative.

January 4, 2014, 06:58 PM	#53
pathdoc Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2013 Posts: 669	I have no idea what to do with it. Somehow, I don't think it will fit in alongside my 10/22s. This makes it sound like it's a gun you'd never have bought even if it hadn't had the grim history attached. In that case, you might want to go towards sale or trade. If you sold it or traded it, I would consider it my duty to inform the buyer (privately) of the history before they were legally committed to the sale. They might not want a gun that'd been used in a suicide either. Ask yourself also, "If the relative had died of something else, ANYTHING else, would I still want or keep the gun?" If the answer to that question is no, again, getting rid of it may be the preferable option. If the suicide aspect makes you feel nervous about passing it on, consider offering it to a gunsmith for reduction to spare parts. Only if it's really spooking the hell out of you would I advise destruction. If the relative meant a lot to you, and you have fond memories of shooting together, that might act as a spur to keep it and shoot it in their memory - but this is a thing only you can decide. I've heard of people shooting a tiny pinch of their loved ones' ashes in their memory, in a gun they used to own, pressed into a hollow point bullet or mixed (in small volume) in with the powder (if reloading or muzzle loading are options). You might consider a gesture like that if you felt it appropriate, before sending the gun on its way.