Another Shoot it or Not?

No way would I take it out and shoot it in that pristine original condition. There are only so many out there in that condition and they aren`t making any more of them so why would you want to start putting wear on that one and make sure there`s one less pristine pinned and recessed 27 in the world? There are a ton of other ones out there that already have the wear on them from being carried and shot or have been nicely refinished so to me it makes more sense to stick to shooting those and leave the few like new original finish ones that are still out there alone. Their purpose is to get out of the safe once in a while and imagine what it was like to walk into a hardware store back in the old days and be able to buy a brand new one just like the one you`re holding. I like to shoot these old guns and I like my pristine ones too so I have both shooters and mint condition collectors of models that I like. My advice would be that if you can`t afford to buy a 2nd gun to carry and shoot would be to sell that ultra nice one to a collector then go buy another cheaper one with some wear on it already and spend the difference on ammo or maybe a nice carved leather holster for it.
 
No, you can't shoot it, and the only reason is the complete absence of a turn line. Do you know how few guns have "no" turn line? Otherwise, I would say shoot it.
 
No way would I take it out and shoot it in that pristine original condition. ...Their purpose is to get out of the safe once in a while and imagine what it was like to walk into a hardware store back in the old days and be able to buy a brand new one just like the one you`re holding.

Pretty compelling opinions on both sides of this debate, as always! :)

I really like what Lawman said about walking into a hardware store in the old days and seeing one of these behind the glass in perfect condition.

That's one of the pleasures people get from owning an unfired, high-condition example of these revolvers.
It's like a time capsule :)
 
Shoot it. I have a 1943 Ithaca 1911a1. All original. These are going for around $2,000 +. Do I shoot? Yes, about once a year or so. Have !et others shoot to enjoy a piece of history. Does it affect the value. Don't think it has. It has doubled in va!UE from what I paid 8 years ago.
Last auction I went to older model Winchester .22 rifles that had been shot many times but were in very good condition brought sky high prices.

Nice revolver.
 
It belongs to you. Do what will bring you the most pleasure: if that is shooting it, shoot it; if you would be happier knowing you have one you think is unfired in the safe, keep it as is; if you consider it an investment, don't do anything to compromise its appreciation; if you bought it so your heirs can gaze on its pristine beauty and praise your name when you are dead, seek help.
 
If it gives you a thrill to deflower virgin Model 27s, you should do it. Your money, your gun.....what the hay!
 
ALL of our guns will belong to someone else eventually. An unfired gun is an expensive paper weight, not an investment.
 
FWIW, I'd be happy to provide a suitable substitute M27 for you and treat that one with the reverence it deserves: Only taken out of the safe semi-annually for preventative cleaning & Ren waxing, gazed upon during the full moon with a fine sipping bourbon, and returned to its Bore Store and cozy cushioned rack in the safe. Precioussss....

;)

OK. If you plan to keep it as an investment gun, careful storage in its current condition is warranted. everybody should have at least one safe queen :). If not, doesn't it deserve at least one trip to the range to fulfill its purpose?
 
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Wow! I am really impressed with the responses from everyone. Very good arguments and opinions which is exactly what I am looking for. To answer one question it is a 6 1/2" barrel. I am also unsure on the box. I don't believe I have a box at all for this one? I have not handled it much on purpose. It does have a nice coat of Ren wax.

Just a little background. I have a modest collection of N frames but this is my only S serial number. I have one other Model 27 in 8 3/8 N serial number with box and docs in the same no turn line condition but has a partridge front sight and target grips. In my opinion the finish on the 6 1/2" inch is a deeper blue than the later 8 3/8".

Do I want to shoot it. Yes. Will I. I am not sure yet? I may get a letter on this one just to see if it has an interesting history?

Thank you all for your input. It is very much appreciated.

Brian
 
I ran into a similar situation a couple of years ago. I had an "itch" for a Mod. 24-3 (No shooter Grade Mod. 1950, no 1950 that I could afford). After internet research, I found that the 4" version vs the 6 1/2" had many accolades. Stumbled onto a somewhat vague site that had a "mint" 4" Mod. 24-3 w/ orig. box, papers and tool kit at what I considered a reasonable price. I bought it, and what I received was an ANIB example; so stiff as to be hardly operable. It has a faint turn line from handling, but nothing more. The more I looked, the more I knew I had a gun that would be coveted by others. All I was looking for nice "shooter".
Back to the Net, and I found a Very Nice 6 1/2" 24-3 that I shoot at will, and enjoy at every opportunity. The 4" is still in the safe, and I have no desire to shoot it as someone else would enjoy it for a different reason. All I ever wanted was a "nice" shooter, and I have that now. In fact , the 6 1/2" gets prettier every time I clean it.
I'm not a gun seller. I hope my wife will recapture the extra $200.00 I paid for the 4" etal. vs the 6 1/2" alone at my estate sale. I fret not though, $200.00 over a lifetime isn't really that important.
Dennis
 
I ran into a similar situation a couple of years ago. I had an "itch" for a Mod. 24-3 (No shooter Grade Mod. 1950, no 1950 that I could afford). After internet research, I found that the 4" version vs the 6 1/2" had many accolades. Stumbled onto a somewhat vague site that had a "mint" 4" Mod. 24-3 w/ orig. box, papers and tool kit at what I considered a reasonable price. I bought it, and what I received was an ANIB example; so stiff as to be hardly operable. It has a faint turn line from handling, but nothing more. The more I looked, the more I knew I had a gun that would be coveted by others. All I was looking for nice "shooter".
Back to the Net, and I found a Very Nice 6 1/2" 24-3 that I shoot at will, and enjoy at every opportunity. The 4" is still in the safe, and I have no desire to shoot it as someone else would enjoy it for a different reason. All I ever wanted was a "nice" shooter, and I have that now. In fact , the 6 1/2" gets prettier every time I clean it.
I'm not a gun seller. I hope my wife will recapture the extra $200.00 I paid for the 4" etal. vs the 6 1/2" alone at my estate sale. I fret not though, $200.00 over a lifetime isn't really that important.
Dennis
 
Sorry for the double post. I'm just a wooden pencil / Big Chief Tablet idiot. I got the mules taken care of and back in barn tonight, and then tried to drive this spaceship. Senile is the first thing that I can offer as an excuse.
Dennis
 
I have what I believe is a gorgeous 27-2 that is an S serial number with not even a hint of a turn line. The bluing is a mile deep and the presentation grips are flawless. For this one I do not have the documents or tools but I have what I believe is the correct presentation case?

I am working my way towards safe queens I thought I would never shoot but the couple I have decided to shoot I find a great enjoyment in actually shooting them. If that makes any sense!

Thank You, Brian

Are those the original stocks that came with it. Most had checkered grips. If original to that gun, great. If not then shoot it , as now you'll have to find original style stocks , papers, etc. to make a complete " collectible " package. I would shoot it and enjoy being the first to deflower a virgin.
 
A REAL BEAUTY for sure! ONLY YOU can decide whether to pull the trigger or not! I have a few guns that are not shot often. NONE that are un-fired. (except 1 I got recently. will change on my next range visit. Bob)
 
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