Should I shoot it?

Dave Klingenstein · May 20, 2002, 04:11 PM

I got this Colt 22 at a gun show - it is a single action 2nd amendment commerative - unfired. It was made in 1977.

Shoud I shoot it, or keep it unfired?

ENC · May 20, 2002, 04:26 PM

Tough question for me.

I agree that they are tools and are made to be used. But I still haven't shot my snub nosed python.

Some things are just to good. If you think you might ever sell it I wouldn't shoot it.

I don't get rid of anything that I get.

If it were me I would shoot one full house and save the target and the casings make a display for it with some photos of the gun.

kbsrn · May 20, 2002, 04:35 PM

I wouldn't shot it.

bowhnter · May 20, 2002, 04:48 PM

Nah, it's been unfired for this long..............

Ewok_Guy · May 20, 2002, 05:07 PM

I'd definitely keep it as a display peice.

Jason Demond · May 20, 2002, 05:38 PM

Why not enjoy it while your alive. If it was mine I would shoot it!

King · May 20, 2002, 06:40 PM

I wouldn't shoot it.........just display it and be proud of it. Shoot some of your other toys but not this one.

Lavan · May 20, 2002, 06:52 PM

spinning, fanning, and dry firing it?

blades67 · May 20, 2002, 07:41 PM

If you bought it as an investment, don't shoot it. Otherwise, go have fun with it.

Dwight M S · May 20, 2002, 08:15 PM

Jay Leno has a garage at his home like an airplane hanger, filled with some of the most valuable cars and motorcycles in the world. And he drives them all.

I certainly understand the opposing view, but to me a gun unshot is only half enjoyed. I say enjoy it as was intended--use it. Then let the next owner enjoy its character, like a worn but well-cared-for antique.

Dwight M S

Schmit · May 21, 2002, 08:07 AM

Not only no but Hell NO.

While I do believe guns were made to be shot, there are exceptions. I have 3 in my collection. A Colt Kodiac .44 Mag & a Ruger Standard Auto Signature Series both of which are NIB/NBF.. the other is a Marlin 1889 .32-20 with 1/2 Octogon bbl shipped from the factory in 1892.

The Colt Kodiac will not be shot and will be given to my son "Colt" when he is old enough, then it will be up to him.

The Ruger is definately a non-shooter as, so far it is the only "Signature Series" made so fare in addition to being the only Standard Auto made in Stainless.

The Marlin has just been retired after 1) Long and faithful service in the family 2) Me finding out that only 500 1889s were made in this configuration. It will be passed down to one of my children.

Your Colt, IMO, is of the exception type - not to be shot.

1goodshot · May 21, 2002, 08:17 AM

Dont shoot it

Chop Farwood · May 21, 2002, 09:38 AM

Shoot it, enjoy it. If you don't shoot it, it's a paperweight, nothing more than sculpture. I've never bought a gun as an investment, but to use. Even limited production or rare ones, that's what they are for.

Hemicuda · May 21, 2002, 10:06 AM

To quote a good movie "Guns are meant to be shot, NOT thrown, Harley" (or in this case, looked at!)

1 - shoot and enjoy... I take some VERY rare guns to the range... and my cousin actually shoots his original, 100% like new German Luger... the looks we get at the range... wow!

2 - name that movie

Pappy John · May 21, 2002, 12:30 PM

They make .22 single actions every day. But not like this one. If you want a shooter go buy one, but I'd keep this one as is.

Dave R · May 21, 2002, 12:56 PM

If you plan to resell it, don't shoot it.

If you plan to keep it, shoot it.

Shooting it will lower the resale value slightly. If its yours for life, who cares?

bowhnter · May 21, 2002, 04:01 PM

Hemicuda,
Who doesn't know that it's "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man"?

"Best twelve bucks I ever spent!"

DMK · May 21, 2002, 04:48 PM

You probably shouldn't shoot it, but I know I would.

I can just picture myself staring at it for like an hour one day and finally saying "Oh, the heck with it!" as I put it in my range bag.

But then, I'd really be kicking myself if it shot terribly!

bismark · May 21, 2002, 10:14 PM

Shooting it would be very dumb. NEVER SHOOT AN UNFIRED COMMEMORATIVE! Commemoratives are really no more valuable than the "regular" guns they're based on once they've been fired. If you really want to shoot it, sell it and buy a regular .22 SAA. .22s are supposed to be economical to shoot, but I'd guess that the first round you put through that Colt would cost about $200.

yorec · May 22, 2002, 02:31 AM

Guns that aren't going to be shot belong in a museum.

Looks like that one might qualify. The real question is do you operate a museum? Lots of gun collecters I know do... And if you don't, you may still wish to consider donating to one!

Enjoy either way!

Blackhorse · May 22, 2002, 07:16 AM

Don't shoot it, I have a Smith 25-3, NIB since 1977, fought the temptation to fire it by buying another used 25 and shooting it. Like some of the other replys said that first shot will be an expensive one.

jar · May 22, 2002, 08:38 AM

It all depends on why you bought it and how much you paid. If you bought it as a shooter and will not be dissappointed if it doesn't bring much someday on resale, the sure, shoot it. If you bought it and plan on seeing it sold some day, then no.

Hemicuda · May 22, 2002, 04:25 PM

I bought a new, in the wood box WW II commemorative Winchester... supposedly very rare, definitely unfired...

then I proceeded to cut the zip-tie, insert a stripperfew rounds, and proceed to start sighting it in...

he was ******... and I do not understand it... YES, I know I bought a comemmorative... YES, I know it was unfired... I didn't BUY it to save... I bought it because 300 bucks for a firable deluxe grade Winchester seemed a good price... and I wanted a nice one to shoot...

I STILL shoot that gun... and I'll be danged if ANYONE will tell me otherwise!

'tis up to you, as has been said... if you bought it to keep, or to shoot, do so... if you bought it as an ornament, then don't shoot it...

'twere it me, I wouldn't have bought it unless I intended to shoot it...

Radicalcleric · May 22, 2002, 04:37 PM

What's it worth now? What will it worth if fired? Are you counting on the difference to retire or put the kids through college? In my experience most of these commemoratives never attain value much over a standard model gun of the same type. There are better investments if you're looking to turn a profit.

Tamara · May 22, 2002, 04:48 PM

Here's the thing: "Commemoratives" are my exception to the "guns were made to be shot" rule. Once you pull the trigger on a limited-run fancy commemorative, it's just another gun, collector-wise.

May 20, 2002, 04:11 PM	#1
Dave Klingenstein Member Join Date: February 17, 2002 Location: Washington State Posts: 63	Should I shoot it? I got this Colt 22 at a gun show - it is a single action 2nd amendment commerative - unfired. It was made in 1977. Shoud I shoot it, or keep it unfired?

May 20, 2002, 04:35 PM	#3
kbsrn Senior Member Join Date: April 2, 2002 Posts: 128	NO I wouldn't shot it.

May 20, 2002, 04:48 PM	#4
bowhnter Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 173	Nah, it's been unfired for this long.............. __________________ bowhnter =========== "None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times important, but especially so at a moment when rights the most essential to our welfare have been violated." --Thomas Jefferson -----, 1803. ME 10:365

May 20, 2002, 05:07 PM	#5
Ewok_Guy Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2001 Location: Endor Posts: 1,664	I'd definitely keep it as a display peice. __________________ "Death and honor are thought to be the same, but today I have learned that sometimes they are not." --------------------- " I like big fat men like you. When they fall they make more noise! ...and sometimes they never get up." -Tuco Benedicto Pacifico Juan Maria Ramirez

May 20, 2002, 05:38 PM	#6
Jason Demond Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 1999 Location: Hastings, Michigan Posts: 1,845	Why not enjoy it while your alive. If it was mine I would shoot it! __________________ "ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN FULL VICTORY!" General Dwight D. Eisenhower June 6, 1944 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ!

May 20, 2002, 04:26 PM	#2
ENC Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2001 Location: Grand Lake, OK Posts: 658	Tough question for me. I agree that they are tools and are made to be used. But I still haven't shot my snub nosed python. Some things are just to good. If you think you might ever sell it I wouldn't shoot it. I don't get rid of anything that I get. If it were me I would shoot one full house and save the target and the casings make a display for it with some photos of the gun.

May 20, 2002, 06:40 PM	#7
King Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 297	Nope.......... I wouldn't shoot it.........just display it and be proud of it. Shoot some of your other toys but not this one. __________________ "King"

May 20, 2002, 06:52 PM	#8
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: Dianneaforney Posts: 2,055	What about not shooting it but just spinning, fanning, and dry firing it?

May 20, 2002, 07:41 PM	#9
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,015	If you bought it as an investment, don't shoot it. Otherwise, go have fun with it. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.

May 20, 2002, 08:15 PM	#10
Dwight M S Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2001 Posts: 137	Jay Leno has a garage at his home like an airplane hanger, filled with some of the most valuable cars and motorcycles in the world. And he drives them all. I certainly understand the opposing view, but to me a gun unshot is only half enjoyed. I say enjoy it as was intended--use it. Then let the next owner enjoy its character, like a worn but well-cared-for antique. Dwight M S __________________ "Your boys seem to think a gat in the hand means the world by the tail." Bogie

May 21, 2002, 08:07 AM	#11
Schmit Staff Alumnus Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: Masquito infested flatlands of Mid-FL Posts: 1,858	Not only no but Hell NO. While I do believe guns were made to be shot, there are exceptions. I have 3 in my collection. A Colt Kodiac .44 Mag & a Ruger Standard Auto Signature Series both of which are NIB/NBF.. the other is a Marlin 1889 .32-20 with 1/2 Octogon bbl shipped from the factory in 1892. The Colt Kodiac will not be shot and will be given to my son "Colt" when he is old enough, then it will be up to him. The Ruger is definately a non-shooter as, so far it is the only "Signature Series" made so fare in addition to being the only Standard Auto made in Stainless. The Marlin has just been retired after 1) Long and faithful service in the family 2) Me finding out that only 500 1889s were made in this configuration. It will be passed down to one of my children. Your Colt, IMO, is of the exception type - not to be shot. __________________ Schmit GySgt, USMC(Ret) "Notoriety is fleeting, Anonymity is forever!"

May 21, 2002, 08:17 AM	#12
1goodshot Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2001 Location: chandler,az Posts: 844	Dont shoot it

May 21, 2002, 09:38 AM	#13
Chop Farwood Member Join Date: February 22, 2001 Posts: 56	Shoot it, enjoy it. If you don't shoot it, it's a paperweight, nothing more than sculpture. I've never bought a gun as an investment, but to use. Even limited production or rare ones, that's what they are for.

May 21, 2002, 10:06 AM	#14
Hemicuda Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,757	To quote a good movie "Guns are meant to be shot, NOT thrown, Harley" (or in this case, looked at!) 1 - shoot and enjoy... I take some VERY rare guns to the range... and my cousin actually shoots his original, 100% like new German Luger... the looks we get at the range... wow! 2 - name that movie __________________ Hemi. gun and car collector. Rare cars, and rarer guns.

May 21, 2002, 12:30 PM	#15
Pappy John Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2001 Location: the lower Susquehanna Valley Posts: 848	They make .22 single actions every day. But not like this one. If you want a shooter go buy one, but I'd keep this one as is.

May 21, 2002, 12:56 PM	#16
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,068	If you plan to resell it, don't shoot it. If you plan to keep it, shoot it. Shooting it will lower the resale value slightly. If its yours for life, who cares? __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

May 21, 2002, 04:01 PM	#17
bowhnter Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 173	Hemicuda, Who doesn't know that it's "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man"? "Best twelve bucks I ever spent!" __________________ bowhnter =========== "None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times important, but especially so at a moment when rights the most essential to our welfare have been violated." --Thomas Jefferson -----, 1803. ME 10:365

May 21, 2002, 04:48 PM	#18
DMK Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2001 Location: Over the hills and far, far away Posts: 2,295	You probably shouldn't shoot it, but I know I would. I can just picture myself staring at it for like an hour one day and finally saying "Oh, the heck with it!" as I put it in my range bag. But then, I'd really be kicking myself if it shot terribly! __________________ DMK - Homeland Security begins at home: Support your Second Amendment. - Remember to support friends who support us: http://www.gunowners.org/ - http://www.nra.org/ http://www.jpfo.org/ - http://keepandbeararms.com/ http://www.2asisters.org/ http://www.grnc.org/ - http://www.ncrpa.org/

May 21, 2002, 10:14 PM	#19
bismark Member Join Date: October 22, 2001 Posts: 38	Shooting it would be very dumb. NEVER SHOOT AN UNFIRED COMMEMORATIVE! Commemoratives are really no more valuable than the "regular" guns they're based on once they've been fired. If you really want to shoot it, sell it and buy a regular .22 SAA. .22s are supposed to be economical to shoot, but I'd guess that the first round you put through that Colt would cost about $200.

May 22, 2002, 02:31 AM	#20
yorec Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,341	Guns that aren't going to be shot belong in a museum. Looks like that one might qualify. The real question is do you operate a museum? Lots of gun collecters I know do... And if you don't, you may still wish to consider donating to one! Enjoy either way! __________________ What part of "... shall not be infringed..." don't you understand? My site - stop by n see what I'm all about... Yes, there is gun stuff.

May 22, 2002, 07:16 AM	#21
Blackhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 596	Don't shoot it, I have a Smith 25-3, NIB since 1977, fought the temptation to fire it by buying another used 25 and shooting it. Like some of the other replys said that first shot will be an expensive one.

May 22, 2002, 08:38 AM	#22
jar Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2001 Posts: 926	It all depends on why you bought it and how much you paid. If you bought it as a shooter and will not be dissappointed if it doesn't bring much someday on resale, the sure, shoot it. If you bought it and plan on seeing it sold some day, then no. __________________ My first line defense is a D'Arcy Don't leave home without it

May 22, 2002, 04:25 PM	#23
Hemicuda Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,757	I really ** a guy off once... I bought a new, in the wood box WW II commemorative Winchester... supposedly very rare, definitely unfired... then I proceeded to cut the zip-tie, insert a stripperfew rounds, and proceed to start sighting it in... he was ******... and I do not understand it... YES, I know I bought a comemmorative... YES, I know it was unfired... I didn't BUY it to save... I bought it because 300 bucks for a firable deluxe grade Winchester seemed a good price... and I wanted a nice one to shoot... I STILL shoot that gun... and I'll be danged if ANYONE will tell me otherwise! 'tis up to you, as has been said... if you bought it to keep, or to shoot, do so... if you bought it as an ornament, then don't shoot it... 'twere it me, I wouldn't have bought it unless I intended to shoot it... __________________ Hemi. gun and car collector. Rare cars, and rarer guns.

May 22, 2002, 04:37 PM	#24
Radicalcleric Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2001 Posts: 645	What's it worth now? What will it worth if fired? Are you counting on the difference to retire or put the kids through college? In my experience most of these commemoratives never attain value much over a standard model gun of the same type. There are better investments if you're looking to turn a profit.

May 22, 2002, 04:48 PM	#25
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 15,858	Here's the thing: "Commemoratives" are my exception to the "guns were made to be shot" rule. Once you pull the trigger on a limited-run fancy commemorative, it's just another gun, collector-wise. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.