Buy a gun and not shoot it? - The Firearms Forum

Xaiver56 · 06-30-2012, 09:30 PM

Hi Everyone,

First of all it has been a long time since I have visited the TFF and I have missed it. Now on to my story :

My wife and I went to a local gun show today. The goal of this visit was for me to pick up either an AK-47, HK USP, SIG P226, or some other fun firearm goody as it has been too long and my guns need a new friend.

We meet some other couples there each with their own shopping agenda and set about to do some shopping. As we were making the rounds my wife kept stopping and staring longly as a Colt SAA :

After about the third time she stopped to admire the firearm I asked her if she really wanted it. She said it looked amazing but we were not there for her and she thought it was too expensive anyway. First off I think adding a Colt to our collection is a good thing, secondly, anytime the wife takes an interest in a particular firearm I think it is good.

We asked the sales guy to take a closer look and once she handled it I knew it was over. We already have a Ruger Vaquero that she loves to shoot and she is a Revolver Girl through and through so of course we had to buy it right?

Any objections my wife had were quickly silenced by our other friends who all thought it was an excellent purchase. As we were filling out paper work the lady asked us: "Are you going to shoot this?"

I quickly replied: "I don't buy a gun unless I am going to shoot it."

This is a NIB Colt SAA, is there any reason to not fire it? I certainly understand that Colts can be collector's items, but seriously why own a gun that you don't shoot?

-Xaiver56

Munch · 06-30-2012, 10:44 PM

I, personally consider not firing a gun a waste, it's a gun, shoot it. Thats what it wants to do. I have reservations about buying used firearms that haven't been fired. Why not, what's wrong with this weapon that caused you to not want to use it as intended. To me, a gun that isn't fired is an overpriced paperweight. All of mine are shooters, even those that more than 100 years old.

pickenup · 06-30-2012, 10:58 PM

Like you, I buy them to shoot.
Some people buy firearms as investments.
Unfired collectors firearms bring a premium.
Or did you get that one real cheap? LOL

Has she shot it yet, if so, did she like it?

CampingJosh · 06-30-2012, 11:07 PM

I buy them to shoot. I don't have an interest in art in the form of a gun.

That's not to say that I don't like good looking guns. Some amazing engraving work has been posted here, and it truly is art. But it's art on a gun, and it's still a gun.

A gun that you're just supposed to look at but not treat like a gun? Nah. Not for me.

norahc · 06-30-2012, 11:13 PM

I also buy them to shoot, but I have one pistol I will probably never shoot. It is the Webley No. 2 I inherited.

Xaiver56 · 06-30-2012, 11:57 PM

Happy to see that everyone has the same opinion as myself. Wife has not shot it yet as we just got it today. That being said this gun will get proper range time. In my opinion the only "investment" in a gun is something I can shoot for years then pass down to the kids for them to shoot as well. Glad to see other people with the same opinion. I will post a range report once we do get a chance to shoot it.

RunningOnMT · 07-01-2012, 02:20 AM

Buying a gun and not shooting it is like buying a wrench and locking it in a safe. I once asked the same question because a buddy of mine thought my Ruger MK III was too nice to shoot. One of the guys who hasn't been here for awhile said it would be like dating the prettiest girl in school then keeping her a virgin.

Airdale · 07-01-2012, 08:02 AM

If'n I had a fine piece like yours and I bought it to shoot I'd shoot it. Maybe not with the same abandon as it's other more homely family members. Don't think it would ever see the inside of a holster nor would it be plunked down on a course wooden or any other surface
without some soft cuddly material between to protect it's beautiful finish. It's beauty is what made it's siren's call so irresistable so it need's to be given a bit more attention when being used for the purpose it was made for. Enjoy!

pkcgbifaid · 07-01-2012, 09:00 AM

I too shoot anything I buy.

Now I do have a friend who is very OCD and likes to keep his firearms immaculately clean. He has been asking me if I think he should just buy two of everything... that way he has one he can shoot and one to just sit there and look pretty. I told him he needs his head examined!

He recently bought a used Lew Horton 629 revolver and was not happy because this USED revolver ACTUALLY had WEAR! He sent it back to Smith and had it refinished.

Appliancedude · 07-01-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airdale

If'n I had a fine piece like yours and I bought it to shoot I'd shoot it. Maybe not with the same abandon as it's other more homely family members. Don't think it would ever see the inside of a holster nor would it be plunked down on a course wooden or any other surface
without some soft cuddly material between to protect it's beautiful finish. It's beauty is what made it's siren's call so irresistable so it need's to be given a bit more attention when being used for the purpose it was made for. Enjoy!

cutter · 07-01-2012, 11:50 AM

I have only 2 guns that won't be shot, a Colt 1911 World War I 50 yr anniversary and a D-Day commeoative Garand. Both guns came in a special case and will never be fired. I have other 1911's and another garand to shoot. Sometimes they are made for you to look and just remember why they were made. JMHO

ozo · 07-01-2012, 12:33 PM

" and she is a Revolver Girl through and through so "--Ha Vee-Heir...

First of all.....Kudos to your lady......

Revolvers are.......

.45 colt.....yes???
Not intentionally.......but I do have about twelve I haven't fired that I bought
after my birthday.....(on)09/11/2001
Kinda went on a spree and got some that I had been wanting for awhile.....
and imagine they will eventually get some fire through them......as the others [from that spree] have.....
Mostly rifles and shotguns left to 'break the hymen'......

Nickel ???
.45 colt ???
Whatever.......any lady that loves this STYLE of firearm.....HAS STYLE !!!

gvw3 · 07-01-2012, 12:44 PM

I think if you have plenty of money you could buy a gun and never shoot it. If you are wealthy you could buy as an investment.

I would never buy a gun and not shoot it. I do ok but am not wealthy.

ozo · 07-01-2012, 12:50 PM

"I bought a John Wayne Commemorative Revolver....
it was expensive, but what quality.....and the beauty
of the engraving.....it was so friggin' nice.....it was well
worth the price !!!
It was so nice.....I just kept it on my desk and for hours
each day as I worked at my desk, I would hold and fondle it, point
it at the calendar, say 'bang'.....but I never fired it.......
It was soooo freakin' nice.........
I was sittin' there one day, on the phone, yappin' business,
looked up, and John Wayne had just walked in.
In his [own] nonchalant way, interrupted me, and picked up
the gun and asked......."Well, how does it shoot, pilgrim.....?"
I told him it was so nice, I have no intentions of firing it.......
In his 'swagger' way, he said "but I will......it has my name on it, come on, let's see what she's got" !!!!!!!!

ozo · 07-01-2012, 01:15 PM

P.S. Just for the record......
Ever buy a new gun....NIB.....and it comes with a
sealed envelope with a fired brass case....?
Hmmm....how did they do that?

Later, you see the gun for sale......"never been fired".....+$$$
Two friends of mine from Taurusarmed.net went to Miami and
had a red carpet tour of the facility, even each got to 'build'
a gun from parts up.....[see the 'sticky' on their forum.......a very, very interesting read in the least] and one thing they were told was
'policy' at Taurus was "no gun leaves without two magazines or two cylinders
full are fired through it".
A gun fired a lot, yeah, has discoloration somewhere......
and if it's worth beaucoup bucks......and a collectors item.......
I would surely hesitate.......but for a gun worth, let's say, a grand or so.....
SHOOT THE BEANS OUTA HER !!!!!!!

hstout1143 · 07-01-2012, 01:35 PM

Buy a gun and not shoot it? That's crazy talk. If it is safe to shoot then shoot it. I have a Japanese Baby Nambu and I shoot that.

Double D · 07-01-2012, 02:26 PM

If I inherited a gun that was pristine and had extreme sentimental value, maybe I wouldnt shoot it. But other than that, bang bang.

RunningOnMT · 07-01-2012, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutter

I have only 2 guns that won't be shot, a Colt 1911 World War I 50 yr anniversary and a D-Day commeoative Garand. Both guns came in a special case and will never be fired. I have other 1911's and another garand to shoot. Sometimes they are made for you to look and just remember why they were made. JMHO

A good point cutter and it creates an exception to my rule about shooting everything you own. Yeah, I wouldn't shoot those either.

pickenup · 07-01-2012, 11:07 PM

OK....OK....I admit it.
I do have a gun I have never shot, and probably will never shoot it.

Curtis R · 07-02-2012, 05:32 AM

thats not a gun thats a fish hook!!

oldfartrr · 07-02-2012, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickenup

OK....OK....I admit it.
I do have a gun I have never shot, and probably will never shoot it.

was that custom built for OBAMA,,, please teach him how to shoot it !!

gdmoody · 07-02-2012, 08:09 PM

I have fired every one that I have ever owned. I do have a Luger (my avatar picture) that I have only put 5 rounds through. Before I could own it, I had to make sure that it would shoot.

Gun Geezer · 07-02-2012, 09:38 PM

I must confess, I do have a few guns I have never shot. It's not for any special reason other than lack of time. Having said that, I do have my favorites that seem to go with me to the range every time.

76Highboy · 07-02-2012, 09:47 PM

I have 2 that I have never shot. They are collectable and I am waiting to cash in. I bought them knowing they were worth quite a bit. I have always bought guns for shooting only however these two are pristine and one of them will be ka-ching, ka-ching. Past that, the rest are shooters.

old semperfi · 07-02-2012, 09:58 PM

i can understand people that buy for investment and also those that buy for the astetics guns can be beautiful works of art.many years ago i purchased a set of walther pps.they were and are unfired.they are consecutive serial numbered in a tooled presentation case and made pre-war.i was offered 3700.00 for them over 20 years ago.they will never be fired by me,they will be left to my loved ones. old semperfi

06-30-2012, 09:30 PM	#1
Xaiver56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 526	Buy a gun and not shoot it? Hi Everyone, First of all it has been a long time since I have visited the TFF and I have missed it. Now on to my story : My wife and I went to a local gun show today. The goal of this visit was for me to pick up either an AK-47, HK USP, SIG P226, or some other fun firearm goody as it has been too long and my guns need a new friend. We meet some other couples there each with their own shopping agenda and set about to do some shopping. As we were making the rounds my wife kept stopping and staring longly as a Colt SAA : After about the third time she stopped to admire the firearm I asked her if she really wanted it. She said it looked amazing but we were not there for her and she thought it was too expensive anyway. First off I think adding a Colt to our collection is a good thing, secondly, anytime the wife takes an interest in a particular firearm I think it is good. We asked the sales guy to take a closer look and once she handled it I knew it was over. We already have a Ruger Vaquero that she loves to shoot and she is a Revolver Girl through and through so of course we had to buy it right? Any objections my wife had were quickly silenced by our other friends who all thought it was an excellent purchase. As we were filling out paper work the lady asked us: "Are you going to shoot this?" I quickly replied: "I don't buy a gun unless I am going to shoot it." This is a NIB Colt SAA, is there any reason to not fire it? I certainly understand that Colts can be collector's items, but seriously why own a gun that you don't shoot? -Xaiver56 __________________ NRA Member GOA Member "Government's view on the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it" --Ronald Reagan “The United States leads the world in too many areas for us to start imitating those who are trailing behind.” --Thomas Sowell -->

06-30-2012, 10:44 PM	#2
Munch V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Puyallup, WA. Posts: 317	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I, personally consider not firing a gun a waste, it's a gun, shoot it. Thats what it wants to do. I have reservations about buying used firearms that haven't been fired. Why not, what's wrong with this weapon that caused you to not want to use it as intended. To me, a gun that isn't fired is an overpriced paperweight. All of mine are shooters, even those that more than 100 years old. Last edited by Munch; 06-30-2012 at 10:46 PM..

06-30-2012, 10:58 PM	#3
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,837	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? Like you, I buy them to shoot. Some people buy firearms as investments. Unfired collectors firearms bring a premium. Or did you get that one real cheap? LOL Has she shot it yet, if so, did she like it? __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

06-30-2012, 11:07 PM	#4
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,787	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I buy them to shoot. I don't have an interest in art in the form of a gun. That's not to say that I don't like good looking guns. Some amazing engraving work has been posted here, and it truly is art. But it's art on a gun, and it's still a gun. A gun that you're just supposed to look at but not treat like a gun? Nah. Not for me. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

06-30-2012, 11:57 PM	#6
Xaiver56 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 526	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? Happy to see that everyone has the same opinion as myself. Wife has not shot it yet as we just got it today. That being said this gun will get proper range time. In my opinion the only "investment" in a gun is something I can shoot for years then pass down to the kids for them to shoot as well. Glad to see other people with the same opinion. I will post a range report once we do get a chance to shoot it. __________________ NRA Member GOA Member "Government's view on the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it" --Ronald Reagan “The United States leads the world in too many areas for us to start imitating those who are trailing behind.” --Thomas Sowell

07-01-2012, 02:20 AM	#7
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? Buying a gun and not shooting it is like buying a wrench and locking it in a safe. I once asked the same question because a buddy of mine thought my Ruger MK III was too nice to shoot. One of the guys who hasn't been here for awhile said it would be like dating the prettiest girl in school then keeping her a virgin. __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

07-01-2012, 08:02 AM	#8
Airdale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.W. Arkansas Contributor Posts: 750	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? If'n I had a fine piece like yours and I bought it to shoot I'd shoot it. Maybe not with the same abandon as it's other more homely family members. Don't think it would ever see the inside of a holster nor would it be plunked down on a course wooden or any other surface without some soft cuddly material between to protect it's beautiful finish. It's beauty is what made it's siren's call so irresistable so it need's to be given a bit more attention when being used for the purpose it was made for. Enjoy!

07-01-2012, 09:00 AM	#9
pkcgbifaid V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Charleston, WV Contributor Posts: 490	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I too shoot anything I buy. Now I do have a friend who is very OCD and likes to keep his firearms immaculately clean. He has been asking me if I think he should just buy two of everything... that way he has one he can shoot and one to just sit there and look pretty. I told him he needs his head examined! He recently bought a used Lew Horton 629 revolver and was not happy because this USED revolver ACTUALLY had WEAR! He sent it back to Smith and had it refinished. __________________ "...As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body, and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks." Thomas Jefferson

07-01-2012, 11:50 AM	#11
cutter Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 630	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I have only 2 guns that won't be shot, a Colt 1911 World War I 50 yr anniversary and a D-Day commeoative Garand. Both guns came in a special case and will never be fired. I have other 1911's and another garand to shoot. Sometimes they are made for you to look and just remember why they were made. JMHO

07-01-2012, 12:33 PM	#12
ozo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 2,770	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? " and she is a Revolver Girl through and through so "--Ha Vee-Heir... First of all.....Kudos to your lady...... Revolvers are....... .45 colt.....yes??? Not intentionally.......but I do have about twelve I haven't fired that I bought after my birthday.....(on)09/11/2001 Kinda went on a spree and got some that I had been wanting for awhile..... and imagine they will eventually get some fire through them......as the others [from that spree] have..... Mostly rifles and shotguns left to 'break the hymen'...... Nickel ??? .45 colt ??? Whatever.......any lady that loves this STYLE of firearm.....HAS STYLE !!! __________________ http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews, "ozo. you're off your rocker sir." -johnlives4christ http://www.prisonplanet.com/ -America,Bless GOD-

07-01-2012, 12:44 PM	#13
gvw3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago IL Area Contributor Posts: 3,264	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I think if you have plenty of money you could buy a gun and never shoot it. If you are wealthy you could buy as an investment. I would never buy a gun and not shoot it. I do ok but am not wealthy. __________________ Criminals advocate stronger gun laws to foster a safer work environment. This limits their exposure to risk.

07-01-2012, 12:50 PM	#14
ozo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 2,770	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? "I bought a John Wayne Commemorative Revolver.... it was expensive, but what quality.....and the beauty of the engraving.....it was so friggin' nice.....it was well worth the price !!! It was so nice.....I just kept it on my desk and for hours each day as I worked at my desk, I would hold and fondle it, point it at the calendar, say 'bang'.....but I never fired it....... It was soooo freakin' nice......... I was sittin' there one day, on the phone, yappin' business, looked up, and John Wayne had just walked in. In his [own] nonchalant way, interrupted me, and picked up the gun and asked......."Well, how does it shoot, pilgrim.....?" I told him it was so nice, I have no intentions of firing it....... In his 'swagger' way, he said "but I will......it has my name on it, come on, let's see what she's got" !!!!!!!! __________________ http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews, "ozo. you're off your rocker sir." -johnlives4christ http://www.prisonplanet.com/ -America,Bless GOD-

07-01-2012, 01:15 PM	#15
ozo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 2,770	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? P.S. Just for the record...... Ever buy a new gun....NIB.....and it comes with a sealed envelope with a fired brass case....? Hmmm....how did they do that? Later, you see the gun for sale......"never been fired".....+$$$ Two friends of mine from Taurusarmed.net went to Miami and had a red carpet tour of the facility, even each got to 'build' a gun from parts up.....[see the 'sticky' on their forum.......a very, very interesting read in the least] and one thing they were told was 'policy' at Taurus was "no gun leaves without two magazines or two cylinders full are fired through it". A gun fired a lot, yeah, has discoloration somewhere...... and if it's worth beaucoup bucks......and a collectors item....... I would surely hesitate.......but for a gun worth, let's say, a grand or so..... SHOOT THE BEANS OUTA HER !!!!!!! __________________ http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews, "ozo. you're off your rocker sir." -johnlives4christ http://www.prisonplanet.com/ -America,Bless GOD-

07-01-2012, 01:35 PM	#16
hstout1143 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: California Contributor Posts: 1,735	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? Buy a gun and not shoot it? That's crazy talk. If it is safe to shoot then shoot it. I have a Japanese Baby Nambu and I shoot that. __________________ NRA Life Member Kids that hunt and fish don't mug old ladies. "Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives." - Ronald Reagan "Deo Duce, Ferro Comitante", With God as my leader and my sword as my companion

07-01-2012, 02:26 PM	#17
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,061	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? If I inherited a gun that was pristine and had extreme sentimental value, maybe I wouldnt shoot it. But other than that, bang bang. __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.

07-01-2012, 11:07 PM	#19
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,837	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? OK....OK....I admit it. I do have a gun I have never shot, and probably will never shoot it. __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

07-02-2012, 05:32 AM	#20
Curtis R V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: N.C. Posts: 289	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? thats not a gun thats a fish hook!! __________________

07-02-2012, 08:09 PM	#22
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,315	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I have fired every one that I have ever owned. I do have a Luger (my avatar picture) that I have only put 5 rounds through. Before I could own it, I had to make sure that it would shoot. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

07-02-2012, 09:38 PM	#23
Gun Geezer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,710	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I must confess, I do have a few guns I have never shot. It's not for any special reason other than lack of time. Having said that, I do have my favorites that seem to go with me to the range every time. __________________ If voting could change anything for the better, It'd already be illegal.

07-02-2012, 09:47 PM	#24
76Highboy Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Meridian, Idaho Contributor Posts: 6,949	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? I have 2 that I have never shot. They are collectable and I am waiting to cash in. I bought them knowing they were worth quite a bit. I have always bought guns for shooting only however these two are pristine and one of them will be ka-ching, ka-ching. Past that, the rest are shooters.

07-02-2012, 09:58 PM	#25
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: Buy a gun and not shoot it? i can understand people that buy for investment and also those that buy for the astetics guns can be beautiful works of art.many years ago i purchased a set of walther pps.they were and are unfired.they are consecutive serial numbered in a tooled presentation case and made pre-war.i was offered 3700.00 for them over 20 years ago.they will never be fired by me,they will be left to my loved ones. old semperfi