Shoot It or Safe It?

[cmr314]

I've got a 39-2 that I inherited from my father when he passed away. It is easily in 98%+ condition, with only minor blueing wear on the edges of the slide (from holstering), and two lines on the back strap (again from the holster retention strap. It has two factory magazines with the metal extended X style follower, factory wood grips, and it's original box/protective paper.

Do you think I should just keep this in it's current condition, or should I use it as a shooting pistol?

(pics once my camera charges)

 

[ronnie gore]

model 39-2

i would shoot it, if you don't someone else will when you are gone, use it and enjoy it. i shoot everything i have and somepeople think i should not shoot some of the collectables i have, but i have seen people die off and their family sell off their guns to people who do not appreciate them.

 

[Dragon88]

Shoot it! You won't harm it at all by shooting the gun in it's current condition.

 

[heekma]

Shoot it! You won't harm it at all by shooting the gun in it's current condition.

This all the way. If the gun shows just a bit of wear, even with all the original accessories--which are rare and great to have--you can shoot it all you want and not affect the value much, if at all.

Keep it out of a holster, shoot, handle, clean with care and enjoy that fine old Smith which is even more special because of its' history.

Best,

Heekma

 

[mg357]

I also suggest that you shoot it.

 

[G-Mac]

I've got a 39-2 that I inherited from my father when he passed away. It is easily in 98%+ condition, with only minor blueing wear on the edges of the slide (from holstering), and two lines on the back strap (again from the holster retention strap. It has two factory magazines with the metal extended X style follower, factory wood grips, and it's original box/protective paper.

Do you think I should just keep this in it's current condition, or should I use it as a shooting pistol?

(pics once my camera charges)

Shoot it! It's a 39-2 that sounds like it's already been used and is already not in "safe queen" condition.

A 39-2 is a nice gun, but they are fairly common. You won't hurt the value of it at all if you use it wisely and give it reasonable care.

Edited to add...I see this is your first post...welcome! Anything you ever wanted to know (and then some) about anything S&W can be found here.

 

[Jim H]

You will have a lot more fun, and get a lot more satisfaction, from shooting the gun than you might ever lose in monetary value. Go have a blast!

 

[bigmoose]

The 39-2 points naturally, is comfortable to hold, and easy to hit what you are aiming at. Definitely shoot it, you will appreciate owning it that much more. They are great guns.

 

[mkk41]

Unfortunately , the old 39s or 59s don't seem to be in any great demand by shooters or collectors. I recently saw a like new in box nickeled Model 59 , with papers and tools for $299 , later marked down to $259. I still passed.

 

[johnsonl]

Shoot it till it begs for mercy. Then, shoot it some more!

 

[S&W Fan]

Hang with me here for a second. I inherited the last firearm my dad owned, a no dash 686 he bought new (we have the box, all papers, tools, receipt). He had it slightly worked over to meet his requirements/desires.

My sons were 3 & 7 when my dad passed away & that 686 was the first centerfire handgun they shot. It has given us many fun times at the range in the past almost 20 years. It now resides with my older son & goes to the range on the rare times he has to go shooting.

They both still refer to it as "Grandpa's gun". I'd say shoot that 39 & continue to pass it on through the family.

 

[KEN L]

Shoot it. Its not like you're going to worry about re-sale value. You'll have it til you pass it on to your heirs. Take them out and let them shoot it too, make it a family affair!

 

[coorslight]

What better way to keep your dad's memory alive and honor him by shooting the gun he wanted you to have. There is no value you can put on that.

 

[JJEH]

Shoot it! You won't harm it at all by shooting the gun in it's current condition.

X2

At least you know if it's working or not.

AND it will stay within the family

 

[seabeesbob]

Shoot It Or Save IT?

Shoot it, I think all guns are made for just purpose, to be shot. I will not own a gun I do not shoot!

 

[cmr314]

I will not own a gun I do not shoot!

I'll agree with that to a point, dad's 1962 vintage Colt Python (99%+) will stay in the safe, that's one pistol I do not need to shoot. It gets a regular wipedown, but other than that, don't want to do anything to mess that one up.

 

[Black_Sheep]

If shot sparingly and properly cared for, you can enjoy your Father's gun without diminishing it's value...

 

[epj]

I have to agree with everyone else. Shoot it. Since it already has some handling marks, you can't hurt it using it as a range gun. Carrying it in a holster, or using it as a "truck gun" is another matter alltogether.

 

[novalty]

Shoot it. Its not like you're going to worry about re-sale value. You'll have it til you pass it on to your heirs. Take them out and let them shoot it too, make it a family affair!

My thoughts exactly.

 

[lanxandreads]

Man, this reminds me of a story my dad told me about how his mother literally "DONATED" his grandfather's 1911 to some police department because she didn't want a gun in the house.
So yeah, my family heirloom became someone else's that day.
I knew there was a reason Grandma and I never really got along.