Age Old Question--Shooter of Safe Queen

[paperboy98]

Just got one of my grail guns, a Model 16 with 8 3/8" barrel. It's unfired. Now what do I do.....I love to shoot, but it's unfired???? Help me brothers!
Paperboy98

 

[JSR III]

Put it away or trade with someone that owns a shooter and is looking for a collector. You can always make a collector gun a shooter but you can not make a shooter gun a collector (assuming that the collector wants NIB).

PS: Or you could send it to me for safe keeping if your desire to shoot it is too great. I will gladly hold it for you until you come to your senses. I don't have one yet either.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I will have to agree with James on this one. Just shoot something else and think about your M16. Don

 

[mkk41]

I for one don't understand the buying of 'safe queens' and never shooting them. Investment? Well , the only ones who are gonna profit are whoever gets them when I die. Since I really don't intend to sell any of those guns I consider 'special'. Shoot 'em. Ya don't have to beat/bang/destroy them , toss 'em down a rocky hill , or kick 'em across the parking lot. Keep 'em in a nice soft case , take 'em to the range or back 40 and shoot. I use Sock-Ups for my 'pretty' guns , shoot 'em with normal level loads and enjoy them. I ride my classic/collectable motorcycles , and I drive my classic/collectable cars and I shoot my classic/collectable firearms.. Why save all the fun for the next owner?

 

[jframefreak]

Shoot it. That's what it's for.

 

[Cruiser RN]

I can't see why you should have a gun and not shoot it.If you are going to keep it as a investment then keep it in the safe and when you sell it enjoy the $$.You can always buy another and shoot it too.It is your call but all my guns are shooters.....Mike

 

[perrazi]

i shoot one of these on a regular basis. very accurate and if you reload,very cheap to shoot. i tend to load these toward the top of the chart as most of the loads listed are based on j-frame guns and the k-frame will stand max loads with no problem.

 

[kennyb]

hard one to call...i have a 16-4 6"barrel...its a beauty and somewhat scarce...i shoot it...but sparingly

 

[Camster]

Shoot it-take care of it.You bought it for yourself,not the next guy,...who's probably going to chisel you on the price no matter what the condition is.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I have a grail gun too. Exactly the same problem....I shoot the heck out of it's twin, but this 29-2 with a 6 1/2 barrel is new in the box, unfired for over 30 years.

I take it out, wipe it down with oil, dryfire it once or twice with the cylinder open to work the action and that's it.

Should I sell it or shoot it?

 

[haifabuddy]

500 MN. You always have the answers to all our S&W questions )), so ask yourself what to do and then DO IT! And, protect that blue felt.

 

[Allen-frame]

Is this a model 16-4? In 32 magnum? Do you have ammunition for it?
I bought a 4" model 16-4 that appeared unfired.
Then acquired about 600 rounds of 32 H.&R. mag 98 gr. lead factory ammo.
I couldn't help myself. I shot the gun till the grin was etched on my
face.
About a year later I found a new in box 6" 16-4. and bought it.
I used it as trading material for a 3 1/2in. nickel 27-2 that I had always been wanting. Then took that out and shot it.

2 months ago I found a clean clean 16 no dash. Promptly took that out and put 2 boxes of Sellier and Bellot wadcutters through it.

Same stupid grin. 32 caliber K frames shoot like K-38s ,but with wayy less recoil. Lots of fun if you're in a position to feed them.
Now ,,I'm reloading 32 long.

They don't call them "Masterpiece" for naught.

Sell it and you'll regret it. Shoot it ,and you'll regret it less.
Just my .02$

Good luck ,,Allen Frame