Inherited a Suicide Gun

hells.saints · December 31, 2013, 05:03 PM

Its a Winchester Model 77. I have no idea what to do with it. Somehow, I don't think it will fit in alongside my 10/22s.

southjk · December 31, 2013, 05:07 PM

Why is this model called a "suicide gun"?

hells.saints · December 31, 2013, 05:09 PM

A family member killed himself with it. Hence "suicide gun".

southjk · December 31, 2013, 05:47 PM

Oh, sorry. For some reason my mind assumed it was a problem with the gun that was very dangerous. Yeah, I'd probably sell it.

Gster · December 31, 2013, 05:51 PM

Interesting...do you wan't to talk about it?

Slamfire · December 31, 2013, 06:05 PM

It is a gun. A mechanical device with no feelings or memory.

People are different. People are not rational creatures and if having or using the gun brings back sad, bad memories of the person who self murdered, then get rid of it.

This is sort of in the same category as getting parts off junked cars that obviously had fatal collisions. I have been in junk yards and seen the head impacts on the front windshield, the engine block pushing the steering wheel to the back of the seat, it is obvious that someone died in those wrecks. If I knew the people, it is likely I would have qualms about pulling parts off those vehicles. But since I did not, they did not haunt me.

buck460XVR · December 31, 2013, 06:16 PM

A family member? It would be gone before I got it home. Anyone else? I use it like any other gun.

**JohnKSa** · December 31, 2013, 06:22 PM

I wouldn't have any problem using it, but I could see how it might bother some people.

If the situation were such that keeping and using the gun might cause other family members distress, or if the gun wasn't one I wanted to have I would sell it. Otherwise, I'd keep it and use it.

BumbleBug · December 31, 2013, 07:11 PM

Simple...go to a gun show & swap for something you want.

Kreyzhorse · December 31, 2013, 07:15 PM

A gun used in a suicide involving someone I didn't know, I'd have no problem keeping and using it.

A family member, yeah, I'd take it to a gun show and look to trade it off for something else.

444 · December 31, 2013, 07:27 PM

That wouldn't bother me in the least.

If I liked the gun, I would keep it and shoot it.

I have to say that I am not immune to thinking about the history behind guns; I once watched a movie where Nazis did what Nazis do and it occurred to me: I wonder if any of my Lugers were involved in anything like that ? What about my K98 Mauser ?
It bothered me for a few minutes but I soon got over it.

Pahoo · December 31, 2013, 07:42 PM

I have no way of saying, at this time and hope I'm not faced with a decision like this. If I can't speak for myself, I'm hardly in a position to do so, for someone else. It's really just too personal. .....

I did experienced something like this a few years back. A working associate was selling his family farm and belongings. He had a ton of old stuff and I volunteered to help him, with his estate sale. I bought a bunch of his families guns that went back to the early 1900's. There were three old doubles, hammer and hammerless. While loading them up, he commented that his mother had committed suicide with one of them. Was not sure which one it was as he was only 5yrs. old when it happened but he did remember the shot and his father's look. Kind of shook me a bit but soon let it pass. ....

Pray for the soul and;
Be Safe !!!

bt380 · December 31, 2013, 07:43 PM

Rather than keep it and be reminded of the suicide, if that is where your mind travels, I'd donate it in the person's name. The gun was bought, used and hopefully enjoyed. If your mind travels in the fond memories of the hunting, range use, etc, then keep it. If you are waffling, before I made the decision, I'd stick it in the garage an forget about it for awhile until the decision could be made. If it's always emotional or uncomfortable to be around, then you have your decision. Either way, don't let the person's life be defined by one single act of desperation.

SHE3PDOG · December 31, 2013, 08:21 PM

I wouldn't be able to use it like any other gun, so I'd probably sell it or trade it. This would be one of the few exceptions to my not selling or trading anything rule.

Garycw · December 31, 2013, 08:48 PM

Sounds like bad mojo to me. I wouldn't want to be reminded of it either.

Microgunner · December 31, 2013, 08:55 PM

Destroy it. I wouldn't keep or trade any family member's suicide implement.

AllenJ · December 31, 2013, 09:23 PM

I would sell/trade the rifle for something else. There are already going to be enough bad memories of the incident, no need to have a reminder sitting around.

5whiskey · December 31, 2013, 09:46 PM

If you are asking then you are leaning towards selling it. I would, in a heartbeat. People hold onto things that are of value, be it monetary or personal when they are handed down. This is neither, get the funds and get what you want. This is not a sought after piece, it is a run of the mill hunting rifle with bad history attached.

buster1210 · December 31, 2013, 09:56 PM

Two things. If it is a gun you actually like and want to shoot keep it. Second don't look at it's past but look at it's future and time spent enjoying it.

CharlieDeltaJuliet · December 31, 2013, 10:14 PM

Just me, I wouldn't want it if it were someone I cared about. My aunt shot herself, I had the chance to have her pistol, I declined. She was my favorite aunt and kind of helped me through a lot after my mom passed away. You do what you want, it is ultimately up to you.

Daggitt · December 31, 2013, 11:18 PM

Your post runs deep and asks probing questions. My first answer is do what feels right to you. It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you. If you truly want my opinion here it is. Guns don't kill people , people do. Maybe the gun brought peace to this troubled one. I don't believe in karma or curses. If you like it keep it. If you don't then sell it or trade it. Why someone would suggest you destroy it is beyond my comprehension. I would hope we are all beyond blaming the gun for an act of a troubled person . It makes no more sense and perhaps less than blaming a crime on a firearm.

8bit · December 31, 2013, 11:37 PM

This is a very personal situation/question and only you can decide what to do with it. There is no right or wrong answer as far as I'm concerned.

Strange to see this topic today because last week my favorite uncle who I was very close to shot and killed himself. He left all of his possessions to his only child. And I found myself wondering what I would do with the gun in that kind of situation.

Personally, I think I would sell it. Either that or it would be locked up in a safe never to see the light of day. One thing I know for sure, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the gun. My mind would automatically go to "what happened" each and every time I shot it.

CWKahrFan · December 31, 2013, 11:39 PM

Every time I'd see it, my mind would have a few thoughts related to it.
Even if they're generally mild and benign thoughts... I'd sell it just to avoid the distraction of those thoughts through the years.

armsmaster270 · January 1, 2014, 03:33 AM

My dad committed suicide with his off duty Colt Detective Special He had terminal brain cancer and was told he had two months to live and even with morphine it would be hell. I miss my dad but understand why he did it. I don't have bad feelings about the gun, instead it reminds me of the good times we had together with him teaching me aimed fire and hipshooting. The hipshooting saved my life one night

My Dad Al E Nichols
https://sites.google.com/a/armsmaste...ad-ale.nichols

JimmyR · January 1, 2014, 03:56 AM

First off, I am sorry for your loss.

Second, I think your decision to keep the weapon is a very personal decision, and it's hard to give suggestions without more input from you. In short, I think any suggestion I would make would hinge on 2 questions: a) Does being around this gun remind you of happy memories, sad memories, or none of the above?; and b) Is this a gun that you want/need/can put to good use?

My grandfather shot himself, and eventually died from the wounds. I inherited his shotgun and a couple of pistols from my father, and wouldn't be surprised if one of them were the gun he had killed himself with. I never met him, as this happened about 3-4 years before I was born. I keep his shotgun in the closet for home defense. For me, I have no memories associated with the shotgun, and it serves a purpose, so I keep it. If, however, you see that gun and are pained by memories of a lost loved one, then I would reccomend selling the gun. There is no obligation to keep such a weapon, and no need to punish yourself with those kinds of feelings. Only you can make that call, and know that if you want to offer more details, we would be happy to read and reflect. You can also feel free to PM me if you don't feel comfortable posting details like that on an open forum.

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

December 31, 2013, 05:03 PM	#1
hells.saints Junior Member Join Date: April 22, 2012 Posts: 10	Inherited a Suicide Gun Its a Winchester Model 77. I have no idea what to do with it. Somehow, I don't think it will fit in alongside my 10/22s.

December 31, 2013, 05:51 PM	#5
Gster Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2012 Location: N.central Pa. Posts: 302	Interesting...do you wan't to talk about it? __________________ Gun control means: Being able to hit what you are shooting at.

December 31, 2013, 06:05 PM	#6
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	It is a gun. A mechanical device with no feelings or memory. People are different. People are not rational creatures and if having or using the gun brings back sad, bad memories of the person who self murdered, then get rid of it. This is sort of in the same category as getting parts off junked cars that obviously had fatal collisions. I have been in junk yards and seen the head impacts on the front windshield, the engine block pushing the steering wheel to the back of the seat, it is obvious that someone died in those wrecks. If I knew the people, it is likely I would have qualms about pulling parts off those vehicles. But since I did not, they did not haunt me. __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

December 31, 2013, 06:22 PM	#8
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,972	I wouldn't have any problem using it, but I could see how it might bother some people. If the situation were such that keeping and using the gun might cause other family members distress, or if the gun wasn't one I wanted to have I would sell it. Otherwise, I'd keep it and use it. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

December 31, 2013, 05:07 PM	#2
southjk Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2012 Location: Memphis Posts: 468	Why is this model called a "suicide gun"?

December 31, 2013, 05:09 PM	#3
hells.saints Junior Member Join Date: April 22, 2012 Posts: 10	A family member killed himself with it. Hence "suicide gun".

December 31, 2013, 05:47 PM	#4
southjk Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2012 Location: Memphis Posts: 468	Oh, sorry. For some reason my mind assumed it was a problem with the gun that was very dangerous. Yeah, I'd probably sell it.

December 31, 2013, 06:16 PM	#7
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	A family member? It would be gone before I got it home. Anyone else? I use it like any other gun.

December 31, 2013, 07:11 PM	#9
BumbleBug Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2013 Location: Near Heart of Texas Posts: 870	Simple...go to a gun show & swap for something you want.

December 31, 2013, 07:15 PM	#10
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	A gun used in a suicide involving someone I didn't know, I'd have no problem keeping and using it. A family member, yeah, I'd take it to a gun show and look to trade it off for something else. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

December 31, 2013, 07:27 PM	#11
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	That wouldn't bother me in the least. If I liked the gun, I would keep it and shoot it. I have to say that I am not immune to thinking about the history behind guns; I once watched a movie where Nazis did what Nazis do and it occurred to me: I wonder if any of my Lugers were involved in anything like that ? What about my K98 Mauser ? It bothered me for a few minutes but I soon got over it. __________________ You know the rest. In the books you have read How the British Regulars fired and fled, How the farmers gave them ball for ball, From behind each fence and farmyard wall, Chasing the redcoats down the lane, Then crossing the fields to emerge again Under the trees at the turn of the road, And only pausing to fire and load.

December 31, 2013, 07:42 PM	#12
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Tragic and too personal I have no way of saying, at this time and hope I'm not faced with a decision like this. If I can't speak for myself, I'm hardly in a position to do so, for someone else. It's really just too personal. ..... I did experienced something like this a few years back. A working associate was selling his family farm and belongings. He had a ton of old stuff and I volunteered to help him, with his estate sale. I bought a bunch of his families guns that went back to the early 1900's. There were three old doubles, hammer and hammerless. While loading them up, he commented that his mother had committed suicide with one of them. Was not sure which one it was as he was only 5yrs. old when it happened but he did remember the shot and his father's look. Kind of shook me a bit but soon let it pass. .... Pray for the soul and; Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing. Last edited by Pahoo; December 31, 2013 at 07:54 PM.

December 31, 2013, 07:43 PM	#13
bt380 Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Posts: 331	Rather than keep it and be reminded of the suicide, if that is where your mind travels, I'd donate it in the person's name. The gun was bought, used and hopefully enjoyed. If your mind travels in the fond memories of the hunting, range use, etc, then keep it. If you are waffling, before I made the decision, I'd stick it in the garage an forget about it for awhile until the decision could be made. If it's always emotional or uncomfortable to be around, then you have your decision. Either way, don't let the person's life be defined by one single act of desperation.

December 31, 2013, 08:21 PM	#14
SHE3PDOG Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2013 Posts: 988	I wouldn't be able to use it like any other gun, so I'd probably sell it or trade it. This would be one of the few exceptions to my not selling or trading anything rule. __________________ Semper Fi Marine, NRA member, SAF Defender's Club member, and constitutionally protected keeper and bearer of firearms

December 31, 2013, 08:48 PM	#15
Garycw Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2011 Location: Ohio-Kentucky - florida Posts: 1,221	Sounds like bad mojo to me. I wouldn't want to be reminded of it either.

December 31, 2013, 08:55 PM	#16
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	Destroy it. I wouldn't keep or trade any family member's suicide implement. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

December 31, 2013, 09:23 PM	#17
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	I would sell/trade the rifle for something else. There are already going to be enough bad memories of the incident, no need to have a reminder sitting around.

December 31, 2013, 09:46 PM	#18
5whiskey Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2005 Location: US Posts: 3,652	If you are asking then you are leaning towards selling it. I would, in a heartbeat. People hold onto things that are of value, be it monetary or personal when they are handed down. This is neither, get the funds and get what you want. This is not a sought after piece, it is a run of the mill hunting rifle with bad history attached.

December 31, 2013, 09:56 PM	#19
buster1210 Member Join Date: December 31, 2013 Posts: 16	Two things. If it is a gun you actually like and want to shoot keep it. Second don't look at it's past but look at it's future and time spent enjoying it.

December 31, 2013, 10:14 PM	#20
CharlieDeltaJuliet Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2012 Posts: 755	Just me, I wouldn't want it if it were someone I cared about. My aunt shot herself, I had the chance to have her pistol, I declined. She was my favorite aunt and kind of helped me through a lot after my mom passed away. You do what you want, it is ultimately up to you. __________________ " The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in Government...." - Thomas Jefferson

December 31, 2013, 11:18 PM	#21
Daggitt Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2011 Posts: 321	Your post runs deep and asks probing questions. My first answer is do what feels right to you. It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you. If you truly want my opinion here it is. Guns don't kill people , people do. Maybe the gun brought peace to this troubled one. I don't believe in karma or curses. If you like it keep it. If you don't then sell it or trade it. Why someone would suggest you destroy it is beyond my comprehension. I would hope we are all beyond blaming the gun for an act of a troubled person . It makes no more sense and perhaps less than blaming a crime on a firearm.

December 31, 2013, 11:37 PM	#22
8bit Member Join Date: June 11, 2012 Location: Tennessee Posts: 56	This is a very personal situation/question and only you can decide what to do with it. There is no right or wrong answer as far as I'm concerned. Strange to see this topic today because last week my favorite uncle who I was very close to shot and killed himself. He left all of his possessions to his only child. And I found myself wondering what I would do with the gun in that kind of situation. Personally, I think I would sell it. Either that or it would be locked up in a safe never to see the light of day. One thing I know for sure, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the gun. My mind would automatically go to "what happened" each and every time I shot it.

December 31, 2013, 11:39 PM	#23
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Every time I'd see it, my mind would have a few thoughts related to it. Even if they're generally mild and benign thoughts... I'd sell it just to avoid the distraction of those thoughts through the years. __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

January 1, 2014, 03:33 AM	#24
armsmaster270 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,951	My dad committed suicide with his off duty Colt Detective Special He had terminal brain cancer and was told he had two months to live and even with morphine it would be hell. I miss my dad but understand why he did it. I don't have bad feelings about the gun, instead it reminds me of the good times we had together with him teaching me aimed fire and hipshooting. The hipshooting saved my life one night My Dad Al E Nichols https://sites.google.com/a/armsmaste...ad-ale.nichols __________________ http://www.armsmaster.net-a.googlepages.com http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/f...aster270/Guns/ Retired LE, M.P., Sr. M.P. Investigator F.B.I. Trained Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor & Armorer, Presently Forensic Document Examiner for D.H.S.

January 1, 2014, 03:56 AM	#25
JimmyR Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2012 Posts: 1,273	First off, I am sorry for your loss. Second, I think your decision to keep the weapon is a very personal decision, and it's hard to give suggestions without more input from you. In short, I think any suggestion I would make would hinge on 2 questions: a) Does being around this gun remind you of happy memories, sad memories, or none of the above?; and b) Is this a gun that you want/need/can put to good use? My grandfather shot himself, and eventually died from the wounds. I inherited his shotgun and a couple of pistols from my father, and wouldn't be surprised if one of them were the gun he had killed himself with. I never met him, as this happened about 3-4 years before I was born. I keep his shotgun in the closet for home defense. For me, I have no memories associated with the shotgun, and it serves a purpose, so I keep it. If, however, you see that gun and are pained by memories of a lost loved one, then I would reccomend selling the gun. There is no obligation to keep such a weapon, and no need to punish yourself with those kinds of feelings. Only you can make that call, and know that if you want to offer more details, we would be happy to read and reflect. You can also feel free to PM me if you don't feel comfortable posting details like that on an open forum.