Should I fire it?

[S&W-Keeper]

If you don't shoot it,your kids will let it rust when you are gone.

 

[kev74]

If you don't intend to sell it, resale value is meaningless.

Shoot it and enjoy it!

 

[CajunBass]

Shoot it if you want to. I doubt there is any real "collector's value." Even if there is, it's not like you're going to put your kids through college or finance your retirement with it. Whatever "loss" you might take is just the cost of doing business.

After all it's just a gun. It's your memories of your friend that make it special...to you. Nobody else has those memories. You can't sell them. They can't be taken from you.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

"A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for."

— John A. Shedd

This...

I know that when I pass down my 686 to my children I expect them to shoot it to their hearts content. A gun is meant to be shot, and every time you shoot it think of a fun memory of your friend. I know he will be smiling watching his trusted friend shooting his gun, I know I would.

 

[CH4]

Beautiful gift!
Shoot the heck out of it!

 

[glenwolde]

I'd shoot it. Not enough to wear it out (which would take a lot) but fairly frequently.

The Agency and State commemorative guns don't seem to attract much collector interest. The interest is too narrow and people with a connection to the subject of the commemorative tend not to be collectors willing to pay top dollar. These often go for a little less than the same gun unadorned.

 

[Krogen]

"A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for."

— John A. Shedd

And . . . .

"These cars are meant to be driven."
-- Carroll Shelby

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Pretty unanimous here on the forum…
Shoot it and enjoy it! If I gave someone a firearm I'd expect nothing different.

 

[bobcat]

Shoot some wadcutters through it in memory of the Patrol. We used to get our 50 rounds a month practice ammo allowance when I was in the Patrol, still have a few old boxes floating around here. BP 148! Congrats on making it out of the monkey house, I retired 9 years ago.

 

[hyena]

I'm in the shoot the snot out of it camp. Whoever inherits it from you will either value it because it was yours, or they'll sell it.

 

[Heinz]

First, thanks for your service, not an easy job. I think your kids will take care of it but will like it better if your shoot it every chance you get.

 

[upcountry]

If it were me, I'd shoot a cylinder of target loads on the day it was given to me and the day of his passing in honor and recognition of him, his service and friendship.
Then I'd give it a good cleaning, wipe it down with a light oil cloth and put it away til next time. When it's time for you to pass it on, do so with an explanation of its importance to you.

 

[boykinlp]

If it was me, I would shoot it in memory of my friend. Why? There are a few reasons. First, it was gifted to you, so you actually have nothing invested in it. If you had paid a lot for it, you might want to keep it pristine. Second, every time you shoot it will remind you of your buddy. Third, it will be fun to shoot, taking good care of it, not carrying it in the woods where it might get messed up.
Larry

 

[Laketime]

Your friend was from the era that use to dry fire to check for perfect mechanical function. A perfect turn line was what you were looking to see, that told you everything was put together right. A close look under the top strap above the forcing cone will tell you if its been fired. Some guns are special to people and want to be preserved as such. Everybody has a gun that has been shot ,but not everyone can pull out a safe queen. If we listened to most members here and took their advise there would be no safe queens anywhere, just used guns in various states of condition. Personally I believe your gun deserves a display box with some other memories of you friend proudly displayed. Its not like you spent a thousand dollars for something that you cant enjoy at the range.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Although God tells us these things dont have a soul, they feel like they do. I have a 586 no dash - I cannot share her story here, but I deeply respect and honor her deep and intimate history. I too wrestled with the "should I shoot" question, but it was clearly a no brainer. She gets taken out every few years- but its been more than a while because of all things post Covid.
Its ok to get watery eyed brother. Enjoy.

 

[deputydon]

I would shoot it on the date of his passing every year in his honor at least. Then when ever I was remembering my friend I would shoot it. Will make you feel good.

-don

 

[otis24]

Shoot it and enjoy it!

 

[rotor1]

Shoot it but remember, it's that blue box that really gives it collector value so take real good care of the box and shoot the gun.

 

[jack the toad]

You should enjoy it by shooting it and thinking of him.

 

[Smif516]

Beautiful piece...congrats on retirement also...and shoot it for your buddy who cannot...my condolences and great retirement gift.