Shoot this 625-6 or not???

[500 Magnum Nut]

I got this gun off the Internet 4 years ago. It was NIB and in unfired condition. So without seeing it, only from pictures I bought the gun. It arrived and I was somewhat disappointed with it. It had muzzle crown damage, the timing was off as It wouldn't lock up. The cylinder air gap was a precise .010 and that ticked me off and there was a few minor scratches thru out the gun.

Well, I took it upon myself to fix it. So at my leisure I corrected all the mistakes and then fired it and it shot fantastic. It loaded easily after I gave it the chamfered charge holes, and was very accurate. I even changed the front post, as I prefer the ramp. The finish was still scratched up and being a laser etched model, I sent it back to S&W for them to re-laser their markingS on the gun.

Like my luck normally is, it came back with a mismatch on the letters. It was just enough off to create a blur effect. I was upset and like a fool that I am, sent it back to be redone all by hand. It cost me over $2,000 to have it professionally engraved by the factory. I wanted the glass beaded finish removed and it to be polished brite.

It's a 625-6 NO LOCK model, but I know there is no collector appeal. Its a shooter at heart.
Well, this is the part that I'm bugged with, now that it looks so good, it just sits in my safe. It did shoot perfectly, before the face lift. Yet I don't want it to get damaged.

I want to shoot it!

Do you agree??

 

[bassoneer]

I don't know. I'm like you...I think guns are meant to be shot, but that is a beautiful gun. I would be tempted to get a less expensive gun to shoot all the time and save this one for special occasions or when I went shooting with a bunch of friends or something. It sure does look nice. Glad to hear you got everything taken care of. I am in the middle of fighting with a gun (old semi-auto Colt) so I know how frustrating it is...just can't seem to let it go until I get it perfect. Looks like you got yours 100% though and its a keeper. Later, B

 

[617fan]

I don't think I could bring myself to shoot it.

 

[frogger]

I have never understood the point of a safe queen. Guns are made to be shot. Shoot it!

 

[bgrafsr]

Like you, I would be in a quandary about shooting it or not, but I believe that at some point in time I would have to make some noise with it. Beautiful gun by the way, just right for a BBQ.

 

[Allen-frame]

Well ,,it is engraved ,but, it is polished stainless ,and should clean up perfectly after firing. You've had bad feelings about the gun in the past. Now your investment is beyond the value of the gun.
In my mind the only way to redeem your relationship with this gun is to shoot it and enjoy yourself doing it. Kind of like making love with your woman after you've had a fight. In your heart you know what to do. That's why you asked for help deciding in the first place.
I would like to see pictures of it dirty ,and then clean again though.

I love a happy ending!

Good luck ,,Allen Frame

 

[pred]

I have been looking for a good priced stainless J frame that is engraved to make my next carry gun.
The owner of a shop near me has a Model 60 that's engraved and he's been carrying it for 20 years, Stag grips and all, It is the nicest looking mod 60 I've ever seen, Worn and loved.
Play with that 6 shooter will you!
It will make you smile!
Peter

 

[brucev]

Guns are made to be shot. But, sometimes, maybe it's better to leave it alone. There are other 625's available... none of which is going to loose value, etc. by shooting. Think maybe I'd leave this one in the safe... take it out to look at and enjoy but mostly leave it in the safe. I'd take something else to the range, woods, etc. jmvho. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[GF]

Oh the ol' shoot or don't shoot dilemma!
You've put a lot of money in that revolver, it's a work of art now.
A lot of people ( me included ) have shooters and safe queens. Some to look at and enjoy, some to shoot and enjoy.
The shooters will never understand the collectors looking at a shinny revolver like a silver dollar. And I will never understand taking an old revolver that's NIB and "puttin' a few rounds thru her".

So... decide if it's going in a nice handmade leather holster loaded up with Silvertips or in a lined wooden presentation case.

That would be the centerpiece of just about anyone's collection. You won't be wrong either way you go.

GF

 

[haggis]

One day, perhaps your grandchildren will be able to get out of it what you've put into it. It looks great, but it's not NIB. So take it out and enjoy it.

Buck

 

[sonny]

Nah, I wouldn't shoot it. It's like a trophy with all the work and money you've put into it. Just look at it a lot. Hang it on your bedroom wall.
You can always buy a shooter for $600.
Particularly, if you have any kids to leave it to, I wouldn't shoot it. It might be a great thing to hand down.
Sonny

 

[deanodog]

That's a beauty for sure. I'm glad I don't have to make that decision.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I don't have children so that makes my decision easier. Immediate family aren't gun people so it would be sold off by them when I pass, I'm sure.

Only thing on this revolver, having a fully buffed finish, the fingerprints show like crazy. I'm going to shoot it for sure, someday. I can't see me when I'm old and crazy walking in a shop and getting 400 bucks for it. Might as well give it a nice turn line huh?

 

[manny25]

shoot it alittle

 

[Revolver King]

WOW I am not in favor of safe queens most of the time, so I would either sell it and buy a shooter or make it a safe queen. I am sure it would bring a pretty penny. And you could buy 2 guns.

 

[625smith]

Shoot it!!!

Life is too short to keep anything for a special time to use. You could not wake up tomorrow so just shoot the revolver and enjoy it! I do not own a gun that I will not shoot.

 

[m657]

...so you've managed to kiss this ugly toad that turned into a voluptuous Princess.....who purrs softly into your ear and makes your brow sweat & your pacemaker go into 'recharge required' mode....

....your family isn't interested, and you can't sell it to anyone that will give what you've got invested in it....

Sounds like one of them 'male life crises' things....

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Well ,,it is engraved ,but, it is polished stainless ,and should clean up perfectly after firing. You've had bad feelings about the gun in the past. Now your investment is beyond the value of the gun.
In my mind the only way to redeem your relationship with this gun is to shoot it and enjoy yourself doing it. Kind of like making love with your woman after you've had a fight. In your heart you know what to do. That's why you asked for help deciding in the first place.
I would like to see pictures of it dirty ,and then clean again though[/B]
Good luck ,,Allen Frame

I vote with Allen Frame. Don

 

[SW357Addict]

It's a gun. Shoot it.

 

[bubbajoe45]

Well said Addict! You're never going to get your money back out of it, and you will surely never wear it out so you've only got the rest of your life to try. Better get busy . . .