Question and Opinions: Model 40

[Milton]

I recently bought a nickle Model 40 (serial L 95xx) that appears to be NIB.I see where the revolver has been fired three times(burn rings on cylinder face) but no more.The only point of wear I see is a slight turn ring.It came as stated in the box with all the paper and a sealed cleaning "kit".My question;should I shoot this revolver or trade it to a collector? I really like the gun but if I keep it I will shoot it a bunch and have the trigger worked over as it is very stiff.What do you say?

 

[29aholic]

Hard call

That's a hard call to make. I love my pre-40, but it is a shooter and has no collector value due to a refinish. Some will tell you to shoot and enjoy it while others will say sell it and buy a shooter grade and use the money left over on ammo. Myself, I have guns I wont shoot...not that they havent been shot before, but I have duplicates so there is really no need.

Since you didnt post pics here is mine until you do.

 

[Milton]

I hear ya ! My problem is if I own a revolver and cannot shoot it ,say for collector value I do not want to keep it.This thing is almost too nice looking to shoot but what the heck, it is a tool!

 

[H Richard]

Agree, that is a tough call, but if you don't have enough other similar size ones to keep your shooting needs covered, I think I would sell it and get a shooter. Nickle 40's aren't rare, but unused Nickle 40's are getting fewer and fewer.

I have a blue 40, June 72 vintage, that came to me fired just a few times. I have fired it, but don't carry or use it any more as it is too nice, and I have plenty of other substitutes. It is taken out and fondled and wiped down a few times a year. I've been looking for a decent 640 (in 38 only) kind of off and on, but in a fired condition so I will not hesitate to shoot it.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I say don't shoot it. If you must sell it sell it to a collector. You can always buy shooter grade guns. Don

 

[pred]

71 vintage.
I dont have box or papers,
But I also never shot it nod did anyone else since the factory.
I really dont know what to do with it, But It's pretty!

Have other J frames to shoot,
So it just sits.
Still has pin in lock.
What do these things go for these days?
Peter

 

[Art Doc]

I acquired this around 1989. Made in 1977 and it arrived at my house in unfired condition. Been shot a lot in the past 20 years.

Bought this around 2003 and it was still in the cardboard shipping wrapper in unfired condition. It shoots great.

Got this in 1986. I was the first one to shoot it.

This M40 shipped in 1962. I got it about 7 years ago and it was also unfired until I shot it.

Another 27-2 that made it until 1986 in unfired condition. Then I bought it. Great shooter.

Maybe I'm the wrong guy to ask about shooting unfired guns?

 

[JSR III]

If you really don't have any interest in the gun for its NIB value, then I would offer it to the collector community and see if anyone wants to own it. Why ruin a very nice collectible gun when there are other shooter grade guns available. If no one is interested in adding it to their collection, then it really doesn't matter, shoot it. That model was made from 1952 until 1974 starting with number 1 through 30160 and then changing to an L prefix range of L1 through L9861 in 1974. Since yours is L95XX, one can assume that is was probably made in the final year of production.

 

[Milton]

Thanks everyone ! I am talking to a member right now about trading guns!

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

The early Pre 40s with four scews would make me question I "HAD" one Serial #248 & shot it alot & kick myself every time I think about that sweet revolver that I traded for a COLT Gold Cup National Match 45acp..
That gun was made in 1952 the Centennial year & was a Centennial probobly worth??
Well if I had one of the early 70s made mod 40s I'd have to shoot no matter what..
That's My answer..
Dick Burg has an earlier #ed Pre 40 than mine that was nickeled & I'd have to think twice about shooting it but WOULD..
KEEP The Faith..
Score & Shoot these revolvers..
Don't Collect them & let em sit around..
They were made to be shot..
Gary/Hk

 

[Milton]

Test Model 40

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

That's a Nice Lookin M40 Milton..
After seeing it & knowing what I know, I say to shoot it & treat it like you would any other handgun in your harrem..
Clean it after shooting with a Non-Amonia based cleaner such as CLP, Oil it up & store it away.. Don't use Hoppes#9 on Nickeled Firearms as the copper solvent will over time cloud the nickel & attack is base coat of copper beneath the nickel..
Shoot Away!!
BTW Nice looker you've scored there..
Gary/Hk

 

[jframe]

Good lookin' 40, Milton. As you know, mine looks similar......