Shoot or save?

[R.J.H.]

I recently acquired a like new 4" 586-3. It appears to be unfired since the factory test firing, only 3 very light rings on the front face of the cylinder, no flame cutting, and the bluing is 100% save for a very slight turn line.

Now the question is, shoot it or keep it in the safe? Thoughts?

 

[625smith]

Shoot it, Enjoy it, Don't abuse it.....Life is short

 

[thomasinaz]

With the cost of anything S&W going up, up, up, it aint getting any cheaper to find a nice 586. Shoot it, the value won't be hurt and you can enjoy it. The L frames are some of the best for 357 shooting.

 

[gwpercle]

Shoot it ! One day you will be older and not able to see the sights any longer or hit the broad side of a barn and will kick yourself for not enjoying it when you could. Some things don't improve with age. I really miss not being able to shoot 6 shot groups that I could cover with a quarter. Nowdays hitting a beer can once out of 6 shots is an accomplishment.

She's a pretty girl...dance with her while you can.
gary

 

[chud333]

Shoot it or----option #3. Sell it to me so i can.
They are great guns that are incredibly accurate
and reliable. Have fun with it and keep it in good
shape. Regular cleaning after shooting but don't
over do it.

Chuck

 

[JJEH]

Need to see pictures first, but I tend to save it.

 

[KEN L]

Once you shoot it you'll never regret the decision. You'll wonder whatever possessed you to ask us first!

 

[snoopdawg45]

SAVE IT

Now, go buy another one that you can shoot.

 

[fyimo]

This question comes up a lot on the forum and you get answers that vary but in th end it's all up to you. There are buyers willing to pay a premium for guns in mint condition that are unfired and the size of the premium varies by model and age. On a Model 586-3 I don't think the premium is that great when compared to a 27-2 or 29-2 as these get sizable premiums.

Again the final decision is yours and yours only.

 

[SJshooter]

Shoot it! It is a 586 -- it is just BEGGING to be shot.

Get a rag and get it all oily with FP-10 or BreakfreeCLP. Everytime someone touches the gun, wipe it down. If it sits for more than a week in the safe, wipe it down. It will continue to look brand new for a long time. I have a later model 586 that I have shot the hell out of and it looks minty. In fact, if you want to trade, you can have mine and fire it guilt free.

 

[Hapworth]

Why safe queen it? Do you have the original box, paperwork and cleaning tools? If so, are you ready to sit on it for a few years or more to see a healthy return on investment?

Collectors will want a complete package. Shooters want a good gun. If you have the complete package and other guns to hold you over, consider saving it.

Otherwise, shoot it and take good care of it.

 

[BigBill]

I plan on shooting all my new and used collectable guns anyway. I will becareful with the new ones so they stay in the new condition But i have others that i will take in the woods too. I'm careful with those too. My S&W's won't see the woods but my rugers will.

 

[luangtom]

If it was one-of-a-hundred, I would say keep it. It is not. Shoot it and be safe. Enjoy.

 

[ptgarcia]

I won't make any gun a safe queen, I don't care how valuable it is. I want to shoot everything! So I'd shoot it if I were you.

 

[Skipw]

Shoot it. If you want to save something start with stamps. Have fun

 

[ma deuce]

I'd shoot it. It's a great gun, but not a particularly rare gun, and if you take good care of it, it's resale will hold, especially if you have box, papers, tools, etc.

 

[R.J.H.]

Thanks for all the replies. Y'all make some good points.

The thing is, I do have another 586 4", it's a no dash and was carried by a LEO in Houston for years before I came across it. The finish has a good bit of wear on it, but it's still in excellent shape overall.

Back to the unfired 586-3, it is unique in that it is believed to have been intended for use by a Texas LE agency, either a local police force or by the state troopers. I still need to call S&W to see if they can confirm this, but that's what I've been told.

Pictures of both to come shortly, when I get home tonight.

 

[KLYDE]

Now that you mentioned you already have a shooter I would keep the NIB gun a safe queen. If you have been perusing gunbroker or similar sites lately than you have seen the outrageous prices some of these guns have been selling for. A NIB gun will draw top dollar. Probably get a better return than the stock market.

 

[oedipus rx]

....blast 'er; save your chastity......naw, blast that too !

 

[sodacan]

What would you be saving it from???