Rare (?) firearms

[otis24]

I just saw a post regarding the carrying of "rare" firearms. They usually start like this: "Should I carry/shoot it or put it in the safe?". Usually, the thread is about a common firearm that is in "like new" or really good shape. For instance, I saw one post regarding a Ruger SPNY. I had (and recently traded) a S&W 4040PD. I was told that there weren't a lot of those made. And I currently own a S&W 3953 that was special ordered with no magazine disconnect safety. The slide is marked "Capable of Firing with Magazine Removed ". These are all firearms that might command a slight premium over their more common counterparts. But I don't see them selling for thousands of dollars, nor significantly more than their more common variants. Now I know that there are those who like safe queens. Nothing wrong with that. If I had a safe queen, it would probably be sold for a premium to someone who values them as such and I would purchase a more common variant and pocket the difference. How "rare" does a firearm have to be to keep you from using it for it's intended purposes?

 

[Heymatt]

One of one.

 

[Bald1]

Agree totally. Some owners/sellers want premiums for guns that were simply mismarked. I guess someone who collects "oddball" guns might pay a little more but it's certainly not a collector's item. At the end of the day condition trumps everything else.

 

[robvious]

One of one.

so a 28-1 qualifies... good to know

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Rare doesn't necessarily correspond to "desirable" or "valuable". Something an be rare but it's because nobody wanted it when new or now. Discontinued guns...no matter well designed or built...may be no longer supported by any kind of factory service or parts. If you can't find replacement parts as required...I wouldn't depend on it.

 

[toddimusnimski]

I just saw a post regarding the carrying of "rare" firearms. They usually start like this: "Should I carry/shoot it or put it in the safe?".... How "rare" does a firearm have to be to keep you from using it for it's intended purposes?

Always an interesting issue with personal viewpoints. Some will argue "What's the point of owning a carry gun and not carrying it?" But, why carry an Ashland Nickel 469 when I can carry an M&P or a mini Glock that does the same plus absorbs carry wear without concern? In the aftermath of a self defense situation, knowing it could end up in police evidence for who knows how long might be tough to swallow. Unfortunately for collectors the local PD would be more concerned with maintaining the integrity of their criminal case than with keeping your nice pistol in unmolested condition. When eventually returned it could very possibly have been engraved with the case number, and located wherever was most convenient for them to do so.

Since M&P's and Glocks are still being made I would have no trouble choosing to carry them over something else in the safe that was long out of production. As far as "using it for its intended purpose", I also consider owning, caring for, sharing, and admiring as an equal part to shooting and carrying.

Just my .02 worth!
Todd

 

[LVSteve]

Milsurps where spares are unobtanium are guns I am reluctant to shoot. One of my Mosins does not have a metal crossbolt to support the action. I'm not shooting that one any day soon.

 

[colt_saa]

One of one.

That is certainly RARE by any ones definition, and if in excellent condition or better when I acquire it, odds are I will not shoot it.

I am a lover of museums and there is no doubt that people that preserved things across the years/decades/centuries add to the enjoyment of future generations learning about them

In the case of something that is just uncommon like otis24's 4040PD that I think I would enjoy shooting, I will often buy two examples. That way I can enjoy the visual appeal of the pristine one and have something in lesser condition that I shoot.

I own both categories. Since we are on Smith & Wessons I will stick to those.

This pistol is a Shorty 357. It is the only known and confirmed example of a Factory 357SIG chambered shorty. It was built in 1993

While I know there is not lots of love for the SIGMA pistols. This SIGMA SW40ti is the only known and confirmed SIGMA to be crafted from Titamium.

For me Rare does not have to be one of one

When the 8 shot model 27 was offered out in 2000. I acquired the same serial number of each barrel length. In 2005 when Lew Horton offered out the 8 shot Registered Magnums I bought the same serial number. This is the only know set of matching serial numbers of every variation of carbon steel 8 shot 357 Smith & Wesson known to exist.

All of the above remain unfired since leaving the Factory and I intend to keep them that way. I own duplicates of several that are my shooters.

This model 45 is one of 6 that were specially embellished as part of the Smith & Wesson Factory collection. When Tompkins acquired the company in the 1990s they raided the collection and auctioned all of the pieces off for cash. The revolver was shipped from the Factory 30 years after it was manufactured. It also remains unfired since leaving the Factory

I do this for myself and for others that I choose to share with. You know, guys like my fellow Forum Members

 

[otis24]

I think a lot of people look at carrying a "rare " gun from the standpoint of "not wanting to destroy its value ". My point is that neither a Ruger SPNY nor a S&W AirLite 4040PD will ever be a firearm worth thousands and thousands of dollars. One would be lucky if the value, even in NIB condition, would approach $1000. Of course, Gun Broker often proves there are many in uninformed buyers who will prove that there are always exceptions to any rule.