Should I fire it?

[squawberryman]

Don't let money be the master, shoot it.

 

[deingy]

Honor you friend. SHOOT IT!

 

[firescout]

...Normally I am in the "don't shoot an unfired gun" camp...

Huh? What do you do after you purchase a new gun?

 

[1977cutcher]

Well opinions are like rear ends, everyone has one. With that being said my opinion is that particular example would have a limited collector value to most folks due to it's subject matter. Those that would be interested in it would probably not be bothered by a lightly used example should you decide to sell it.

 

[mchom]

I agree with Nate-Dogg and others. A few rounds fired on occasion. It is both a sentimental collectible and shooter. Congratulations on your retirement.

 

[steelslaver]

What would your buddy have done?? Do that.

 

[Cruisers]

I agree with the others.

Honor your friend. Shoot it. But, take care of it the way he did. Every time you shoot it, he'll be right there with you.

 

[kbm6893]

I say don't shoot it. Why? Your friend clearly didn't if you say it's unfired, and it will never be as nice again if you do. I'm sure you have other guns to shoot.

I have a looks to be never fired 15-2 in the box with all the tools. I bought it right before Covid for $575. I haven't shot it yet. I doubt I ever will. I have other K frames to blast away with. It's not about investment, although I'd surely get more for the gun now than I did when I bought it. It's just that shooting it will mean it will never be as nice as it is now.

Then again, when I got it I of course checked out some YouTube videos. Came across one where a man in his 30's was shooting his Dad's never fired model 15-2 after his dad died. The poster commented on how special it was to fire his father's prized possession, but how it would have been more special if he had memories of them shooting it together, so my mind might change.

 

[jboboyuma]

I say shoot it. It will never hold the same meaning to the next person that gets it. Shoot it.

293 YUM/YUS
I retired from ICE in 2020. Enjoy retirement!!

 

[oneeyedpete]

Do what you are comfortable with! Having said that, it is not the Mona Lisa or the Shroud of Turin! Your friend felt comfortable dry firing it and I would not hesitate to shoot it in his memory. You will think of him when you shoot it not when it sits in your safe.

 

[Hennypenny]

Whatever you decide, have a long and happy retirement!

 

[murphydog]

Huh? What do you do after you purchase a new gun?

Well, let's just say I look for lightly used ones that I wouldn't feel guilty about using, and new shooting guns. Unused collectible guns, very rarely.

 

[UncleEd]

As lovers of S&W revolvers, it is our
duty to preserve them when pristine,
keep them as monuments to another
age. Verily, it is truly our sacred duty.

Then when those revolvers pass on to
another generation, perhaps to those
with no reverence for what they are,
they will shoot the heck out of them
and enjoy them to their fullest.

 

[PAULEM]

Yesterday, I was treated to a retirement party at my office, and was gifted this beautiful S&W 586, INS Centennial Edition. The previous owner was my good friend who had retired from the same station a few years back, but was lost to cancer shortly afterward. We both started our careers (Border Patrol) under INS, before Homeland Security existed, although he began 15 years before me.

I am torn as to how I should treat this beautiful revolver. On one hand, it is collectible, and thus valuable. On the other hand, I don't normally keep a safe queens, and I'd like to shoot it in memory of my friend.

As fellow caretakers of all things S&W, what do you think I should do? Take it to the range? Or store it?

The first photo is of the 586, the second is an old one of my late friend with a marijuana load he had seized, a LONG time ago.

Beautiful gun. But by all means shoot it. Otherwise it's like having a Ferrari in your garage, and never driving it. Except in the rarest cases I have put aside collector value, and shoot everything I own, after weighing how much I might decrease its value by doing that, against the pleasure of putting it to the use for which it is so well designed. Can't put a price on the pleasure it gives me to shoot those beautiful guns.

 

[66fan]

If you don't shoot it the next owner will. I don't buy for investment, I shoot all of my guns. Some I shoot less than others. All have been shot at one time in the past.

 

[Inland7-45]

You have really nice revolver. If it were mine I would enjoy taking it to the range as often as possible and enjoy shooting it. I would not carry the gun or holster it. That bright blue s up is too nice mess up.

About 15 years ago I bought a very nice K-22 that was in similar condition. There was no box but the gun looked like it was fired very little and was never holstered. I never intended to do a lot of shooting with it but the DA pull was like silk and I had no problem holding a nice tight 10 shot group at 50 ft. So I decided to join an indoor .22 league and shoot the gallery match course with the k-22 which was made in 1950. I used this gun for 7 seasons and I estimate that I fired at least 4,000 rnds including practice. After every match or practice session the gun was carefully cleaned and put away until next time. It was fun trying to compete against Model 41s and Rugers while firing DA with open sights.


Since the gun was always carefully handled it shows very little additional wear.

You have a very nice revolver with a ton of sentimental value. I say take it to the range and fire it as often as often as you like. With careful handling the gun shouldn't show much wear and tear even if fired alot.

 

[Wengayoo]

Have fun and shoot it thinking of your buddy. And, thanks for your service!

 

[Jamesatrange]

Shooting a non collector gun is thier purpose. I say if you're the guy that doesn't like safe queens, shoot it. Enjoy it.

 

[AtTheRange]

I have a 357 that belonged to a LEO. I don't shoot because it has holster wear and doesn't look brand new. I shoot it because that's what it was made for! Take care of it, yes. But don't keep it under glass all the time.

 

[S&W Fan]

I currently have one commemorative revolver-the 19 Texas Ranger. I got just the revolver, no box etc I paid "standard" 19-3 price; right around $800 tax/fees. I bought it to shoot and I do. I also take very good care of it. It would take a bit more than $800 to get it out of my hands. It has an amazing action, is more accurate than I could ask for.

I had my gunsmith refill the special stampings that lost their fill years ago. I would take the 586 out and as others have said think great thoughts of your friend and enjoy. I also have a no dash 686 I inherited when my dad passed. I used it to teach both my sons to shoot and still take it out for visits. Years ago I had one of the Elmer Keith commemoratives, the less fancy one, and shot it too.

I have a custom 1911 I was gifted by the widow of a very good friend when he passed in 2012 (forum member as well). I was with him when he bought it and shot it many times with him. I still shoot it monthly.

Go for it and think of your buddy.