Guns we refuse to use, coming clean

[Rset]

I have read all the posts, and this is why the shooting sports are dying. A bunch of geriatrics (myself included) all pining for the days of old. I miss those days, just like you, but they are never to return again. Much to my demise as a collector through the years.

 

[Downhill]

My old High Power Coach had a firearm collection that would make museums green with envy. He would never allow a new one to go unfired. In the late 90's he acquired a pristine Navy Colt .36 cal. Just beautiful. He called me upon it's arrival. I advised shooting it would only drive the value down. He told me he would not own a gun he couldn't shoot. Long story short, we ended up at his range firing a piece of Civil War History. Put 48 rounds through it, cleaned it, oil it and put her back in the presentation case. Grinning the whole time.

 

[DiffEQ]

Cars, guns, musical instruments, furniture, women, whisky and artwork. If something comes into my life, there's a reason and purpose to it, nothing is left to idle.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

I was always a Skeeter Skelton fan. Years ago had a chance to buy
one of his guns. It was a first gen Colt SAA in 38 wcf. It had
certificate signed by his wife. Bought dies bullets and got ready
to shoot said gun. Then I thought about 3 guns I saw have
their top strap blown off and said.............ain't gonna chance it.

Reading Skeeter in shootings times is what got me started with single action magnums back in the late 70’s

 

[brokeasajoke]

Rem 7mm RUM rocky mountain elk foundation. Ruger 10/22T with the spiraled barrel I finally traded off. Colt woodsman some where in there I've never shot since I've owned it. I've probably got some now I haven't shot in 10 years. I may need to thin the herd. What kind of sense does it make to purchase a gun, put it in the dark never to be seen again? I guess only certain people understand. Don't have to shoot it, just got to know it's there. An occasional glimpse of light reflecting off the glossy stock or a polished blued barrel wll suffice. Lol.

 

[Krogen]

I'm a shooter and an accumulator, but not a collector. I understand the collectors' interests, but it's not for me. I shoot nearly everything I own and yours too if you'll let me. The one gun I won't shoot is Grandpa's Iver Johnson. It's a breaktop .38 S&W with maybe half of its nickel finish left. It's so loose that a goose would seem constipated. I'm not brave enough (or stupid enough) to fire the thing. Because it was Grandpa's, I treasure it. But no shooting it. Grandpa had both eyes and all his fingers when he passed. I can only guess he carried it and never shot it. Questions I would have asked had I thought to.

 

[Rube Shooter]

I have one that I won't shoot. My old hunting/shooting buddy won the door prize at the 2018 King of 2 miles match, a new in the box Model 700 M24 SWS with Leupold Mk 4 10 power scope. He sold it to me to fund a new long range setup and it's set in the box leaning against the safe for 6 years now.

 

[TonyinKY]

I had a Ruger Mark III Competition that I just never got the hang of reassembling it very easy after a thorough cleaning. I NEVER put a gun away dirty so I got where I’d never shoot it. I took a big hit on trading it in on a Mark IV Competition when they first came out. That’s the best gun money I’ve ever spent!

 

[209jones]

Nope, I have to shoot mine, had a collector grade 1935 7x57 Mauser, sold it, I really wanted to shoot it, and, one day, I would have.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I have no place for a gun I don't shoot regularly. After a year or two of no use its off to a new home. Even those with fine wood and blue gotta go. The only gun that I will never ever sell is my trusty old Franchi 48. Nothing fancy and warn from the field, but discontinued forever. Likely only discontinued because it competed with the Benelli UL. If you gave me a BUL i would sell it for a couple of Franchi 48. All the dings in that figured walnut are just splintered dreams and shattered memories...

 

[ebb]

If you won't shoot it, it isn't a gun it's atrophy. WORTHLESS

 

[SecondsCount]

If you won't shoot it, it isn't a gun it's atrophy. WORTHLESS

Maybe some gun owners like to just look at what they have, knowing that it is rare. I once was that way, but nowadays I shoot everything I own.

Years ago I bought a 70 Series Colt Government 45ACP from a friend. It looked unfired, pretty sure of it, and I decided to keep it that way.

A few years later I sold it to buy something else, which I deeply regret. I also regret never shooting it, and will never make that mistake again.