psychiatric help for me and my 17-3 please....

I had this exact issue and it was with a 17-3. I chose to shoot it. Almost 6000 rounds later, I can tell you that I made the right call. The gun still has no scratches and is beautiful. Sure, a collector can tell it's been fired, but he would have to look closely. It turned out to be my favorite shooter. Just do it.
 
Toad67, did you really think you could get any relief from your mental anguish regarding that 17-3 on this forum? Here you are exposed to some of the most rabid enablers on the planet who have absolutely no concern for your psychiatric well being.

What you need to do is put that K22 in a safe place and devote your life to finding a NIB Model 28-1 (5"), and don't consider your self happy until you find it.

All the best,

Dr. Retired W4 (Doctor of Psychiatry)
 
This thread went where I thought it might go LOL, kinda like going to an AA meeting in the back of a liquor store. Looks like I should probably end up getting a second one as a shooter and keep this one where it is. Thank you Dr Retired W4, since I'm already crazy, the search for a 5" 28 would be a nice little vacation.....
Thanks for all the answers guys.
 
A little over 25 years ago I bought a new in the box unfired 1952 k38. It had all of the tools, box and paper work. It remained that way for exactly 15 minutes once had in my hands. I've shot thousands of 38 wadcutters through it and I love it. You won't regret enjoying your model 17.
 
One of my life's ambitions is to shoot every gun I own until it's worn out and no longer accurate and reliable, and that includes those that are extremely expensive and very collectible as well.

I maintain them all meticulously, but shoot the heck out of them and I enjoy every single shot.

Who cares about the next owner?

I want to enjoy them myself, and to me, that means shooting them often as I can.
 
such 17-3 is one of my favorite guns to shoot. If you have another 17, by all means shoot that instead. If not, you will be missing out a lot. Plus that gun is a low pressure low wear easy to clean gun at the range and you won't really wear and tear it. I'd go for it. I bought countless unfired Smith's over the years, I shot them all and never regretted it. I enjoyed getting a feel for them and appreciating how they shoot each and every one of them.
 
The easy fix is to get the cleaning kit to complete the package and put it up. Then get an identical used one and shoot the bejeebus out of it. Best of both worlds! Not all guns need to be shot to be enjoyed. Everyone has a shooter, but how many can say they have a NIB model that is 52 years old? Not many.
 
I don't believe in safe queens. Granted, I do have some collectible guns that don't get shot often, but they do get shot.
Shoot it, enjoy it and take good care of it. What little wear you put on it won't make much difference in its value. ;)
 
The only difference in two "safe queens", one of which has been fired (a bunch) and the other not at all since it left the factory is the knowledge and skill of the respective owners when it comes to knowing how to clean a gun----properly--------and how to prevent/mitigate "turn rings"----period-----end of report.


Ralph Tremaine
 
Laketime said:
What's wrong with having at least one un fired pristine revolver from a bye gone era that can never be repeated.
Click to expand...

Nothing at all but there is nothing wrong with using one. It was before my time but I read that people bought registered magnums and used them. I've posted this before but in 1965 I bought a Python and it went out of the house with me every day for 40 some years. I gave it to my son so I could see him use it before I died and the look on his face when I gave it to him was priceless. I bought a 27-2, 3 1/2 in, 3Ts with box, tools and papers that was bought new in 1980 and put up and never fired. I hope I live long enough to wear the blue off and shoot it loose. Larry
 
If that is your only 22 and you bought it as a shooter, go shoot it. if I had others I would keep it unfired, as that is one of the things that urged you to buy it.
 
My 17-2 was found in a local store that specialized in plastic modern stuff. The owner had no idea what it was. A well used 6 in with target trigger and target hammer. Wearing a set of smooth N frame Targets. The finish is still strong on much of it but has areas it did not get protected. A scratch on the cylnder and wear on the end of the barrel from holstering. I found a set of mangas for it at another shop. It also has a set of plastic hogue grips.
What matters? It's the best shooting 22 handgun I own. Someone in its past likely shot it well. I'm guessing if you shoot yours the next owner will enjoy it as much as you will
Good Luck
 
I have a 17-3 and a 14-3. Both have gorgeous bluing and no flaws in the finish. I shoot them regularly, clean them after use, and store them properly. Best of both worlds.
 
First, congrats on the purchase. It becomes less frequent that they are found 'in the wild' in that condition.

I'll present a different viewpoint: If you have shot the model 17 in the past, then keep this one unfired; if you do not have extensive range time with the model 17, shoot this one and enjoy the heck out of it.

It's a lot of fun, but if you've been there, done that, I'd keep it LNIB.

I had probably around 50,000 rounds through my first one and sold it for the same price I paid years later--that's something to think about too. Shot the heck out of it, but maintain and don't abuse, you will likely get your money back and then some.
 
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