Inherited .44 now what ?

[Delta Bravo Romeo]

First off hello to everyone, new to this site.

I have dilemma. My uncle passed away last year and he left me a couple of his guns one is a.... bought brand new never been fired 1 of 3000 629 Magna Classic .44 with a 7.5 barrel in a cherry wood box with the key, sights and all the paperwork with it he bought new in 1990. Now he loved this gun and I always ribbed him that it was made to shoot and he would say things like ...well someday you can shoot it if you want to. Well that day has come. I never asked for this 629 (although I love it !!) and I'm not sure what to do with it because my uncle never shot it. He had quite a few revolvers and shot alot , I know I will never sell this gun but I was wanting to hear what some other revolver lovers would do. Shoot it, hunt with it, let it sit in the safe and look pretty. I know it's my call, just needing a little help. Thanks

 

[old bear]

Shoot it, that was what it was made for, and every time you do think of your uncle.

 

[jjbrewst1]

I can envision a bear hunt in the future. Hell, make it a whitetail hunt. Just clean her up good when your done.

 

[Rickkster]

Welcome to the forum! Shoot it. Your uncle would smile.

Cheers,

Rick

 

[daveyc]

I would honestly have a hard time shooting it because it was obviously special enough to him that he never shot it. Your call, but I would leave it as is and think of your uncle every time you get it out to look at it.

 

[jtcarm]

You haven't heard? That model was banned. Send it to me immediately for disposal.

 

[Henry O]

My Dad lived his life and collected many things on his terms. In his later years he would become very emotional thinking about his shop and everything he had collected that he could no longer enjoy.

We left everything "his way" even beyond the time that it made sense out of a show of respect for him while he was living. The favor was returned.

I believe that Dad understood no one would take up his shop and collections where he left off. I believe it was that spirit that motivated him to avoid creating anything that could be considered "what would Dad have wanted" when it came time to deal with everything.

It was obvious to anyone who knew him that Dad did not want shrines made out of anything. He did make it clear, while he still could, if someone wanted something to use and enjoy, take it. His Wincester .22 rifle he got as a kid in the 1930's hangs on the wall in my house right next to his father's .410 shotgun that he too got as a kid in the early 1900's. Both are back in ready firing condition despite their age.

A few pieces from his antique tool collection are hanging on the wall of my garage with some really interesting pieces donated to a museum not far from where I live. Most of his collections were sold at a large Auction in April, something almost unthinkable during the time he was still capable. But fortunately he left the decisions as to the best course of action up to us.

I don't know about Delta Bravo Romeo's Uncle, but it sounds like he too was passing along his favorite possessions with no strings attached.

 

[Warren Sear]

... and I'm not sure what to do with it because my uncle never shot it. He had quite a few revolvers and shot a lot , I know I will never sell this gun but I was wanting to hear what some other revolver lovers would do...

I'd be shooting instead of typing right now!

 

[A10]

Welcome to the Forum! I'm sorry to hear of your uncles passing, yo two were obviously close.

I had the same argument with myself earlier this year over a BNIB 29-2 shipped in 1971. I decided to shoot it, but keep proper care of it. It won't go into a holster, and won't be exercised too often.

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

Did your uncle ever say WHY he didn't shoot it? Was he a collector? Did he shoot other guns, but not that one?

If he shot other guns, and that was his ONLY collectible, then I wouldn't shoot it.

If he was a collector and had MANY guns he never shot, then I would shoot it.

Was it THE special gun? Or one of many special guns?

Does that make sense?

 

[snubbyfan]

Shoot and enjoy. Just make sure to clean and store it properly afterwards.

 

[RussellD]

Are you loading for this fine machine yet?

 

[shouldazagged]

I understand your indecision, but it sounds to me as if your uncle explicitly gave you permission to shoot the piece. I think I would if it were mine, and thank the donor as I did so.

 

[Mtwoodson]

Shoot it. Make a loud joyful noise and enjoy it. Hell, I've even ruined a few commemoratives by shooting them. Having guns and not shooting them is like having a harem and never..., well, you know.

 

[aphelion]

Now he loved this gun and I always ribbed him that it was made to shoot and he would say things like ...well someday you can shoot it if you want to.

Here's the key to the whole question right here. He said it was OK with him. I had it easier than you. My Dad and uncles never had any guns they wouldn't shoot. So I have a couple of nice old Winchester 94's, a couple of Colts, a Krag, a Model 12, Browning Auto-5, a Beretta O/U, etc. that don't represent a quandary. I shoot them and so do my kids who will end up with them. What a luxury.

 

[canvsbk]

You can treat it like a queen and still shoot it. I would bet even money he would be disappointed if you didn't use it some.

 

[HereSinceTheLongHunters]

Shoot it and enjoy it... or die without ever knowing the grin it'll put on your face (and probably his).
I've either imagined very well...or have have clearly experienced...that there are few things that will channel a mans spirit as much as his tools...and his guns.

 

[Delta Bravo Romeo]

Thanks fellas. My uncle said he bought the .44 because he loved the looks of it and wanted to see what it would be worth someday unfired. Someday came 23 years later.... He said he paid $550 for it in 1990 and about a year (2011) before he died we were talking about it and he said he had gone this long without shooting it so he probably never would (that's the day he said I could shoot it someday). I'm leaning towards shooting it because I could never sell it, then some day passing it down with a promise that it will always stay in the family. It's just getting that first round through it. My uncle had 3 daughters and no sons he taught me a lot about hunting, shooting and the outdoors. I know it's just an old 6 shooter but it's a real, real special one to me. Thanks again.

 

[Simian5353]

Shoot it, enjoy it, love it. He said it is your decision. Pull the trigger in his honor! You are very lucky to have had such a great relationship...

 

[DanWales]

Shoot It

Now doubt in my mind from what I've read he intended not to shoot that pistol for what ever reason he had.

But to me there is no doubt he intended for you to shoot it.

I know how you feel I've had a couple special relatives leave a small item for me.

Ever time I touched those items it seemed I could fell their presence.

Without blabbering on I would have that joker at the range and feelin special.

Dan

 

[flagman1776]

I have several guns that were limited runs... then S&W ran a different limited run... they were sales gimmicks. These were fine guns to be sure but they were made to be shot & I have fired them all a few times. The presentation cases are not the best for storage as they trap moisture. Be sure to remove it & wipe down with good gun oil periodically. Even Stainless will rust under some circumstances.
I would not say to "never holster" but certainly use a premium lined holster if you do. That's what I did.

 

[Magster]

Clean, lube and take that beauty to the range and enjoy that thing.

 

[BigBill]

I figure what I don't shoot now my kids will shoot them when I pass on. So I figured I'd shoot them all now.

 

[MattLarmore]

Thanks fellas. My uncle said he bought the .44 because he loved the looks of it and wanted to see what it would be worth someday unfired. Someday came 23 years later.... He said he paid $550 for it in 1990 and about a year (2011) before he died we were talking about it and he said he had gone this long without shooting it so he probably never would (that's the day he said I could shoot it someday). I'm leaning towards shooting it because I could never sell it, then some day passing it down with a promise that it will always stay in the family. It's just getting that first round through it. My uncle had 3 daughters and no sons he taught me a lot about hunting, shooting and the outdoors. I know it's just an old 6 shooter but it's a real, real special one to me. Thanks again.

Personally, i would probably shoot it...especially if it intends to be passed down through the family...since you not going to sell you have no reason not to shoot it!!

Besides, shooting it will always remind you of your uncle...just another way to feel connected with him once again

 

[weatherby]

He didn't shoot it because he didn't need to.
Yes it was special to him but you more so.
My opinion is he was passing it along.
Seems he wanted you to enjoy it in your way or it would have gone elsewhere

 

[lhump1961]

'Seems he wanted you to enjoy it in your way or it would have gone elsewhere"

That, to me, is the key right there. My dad taught me that when you give something it is with no strings attached. I have a couple of guns I don't shoot and they will go to my son-in-law when I am gone. I want him to enjoy them as much as I did and if, to him, that means shooting them then that's what I want him to do...shoot 'em and enjoy 'em. I think your uncle would want you to enjoy the gun in whatever manner suits you. Whether you shoot it or not I think taking good care of it and remembering where it came from would honor your uncle and make him very happy. JMHO

 

[44wheelman]

As long as you keep it and enjoy it however you want, that's what your uncle would want.

If you don't plan to sell it, what difference does it matter if you shoot it or not?

I say take it to the range, if it's fun, and you like it, keep using it. More than likely that gun was fired at the factory... so it's not like it's never been fired.

 

[Buford57]

Not shooting it and watching it appreciate in value was his way of enjoying the gun in his lifetime.

You need to enjoy it your way in your lifetime.

 

[Satoken]

Do not shoot it! Don't even think about you own that gun for a while. Instead, shoot some other S&Ws, preferably .44, and become a good shot. Set a goal and shoot and shoot and shoot. You probably spend a couple of hundred pounds of powder, unknown amount of bullets, primers, and, the forcing cones will severely erode. But you'll be way better shot than you are now. Then, bring out that magna classic to the range. You'll be much happier.

 

[lhump1961]

"the forcing cones will severely erode."

I'm not sure how much you would have to shoot to achieve this but it would be more than I have ever shot...maybe I'm misunderstanding your post...