To shoot or not to shoot.

[Memcdowe41/45]

Hello All

This is my first post here. I have recently obtained a couple of unfired, outside of the factory, N frames and am trying to determine how much value will be affected if they are shot on occasion. One is a 27-2 with presentation box, papers, tools, etc. I will most likely resist firing this one...though it is difficult. The other is a Model 58 with box. It is also unfired and is LOUDLY begging to be fired...any thoughts on gently fired vs unfired value? I am considering listing it on the classified forum if value would be diminished too much by firing it because I doubt I will be able to resist long.

Any input welcome!
-Matt

 

[Mike McLellan]

Shoot both of them. The worst that can happen is that your tombstone will read, "Yep, he shot 'em".

 

[Retired W4]

Please tell me you want to sell the 58 to me!

 

[Memcdowe41/45]

They were both intended as investments not toys so I do not want to make the decision lightly and seriously harm an investment. If it was just a slight decrease in value, I would love to put some lead down range with them.

 

[DWalt]

This question comes up all the time. And the only one who can answer it is you, no one else. If you are a shooter, shoot them. If you are an investor, don't shoot them. Buy something in a lower grade to shoot.

 

[Memcdowe41/45]

I am trying to post a picture.

 

[Memcdowe41/45]

DWalt I'm just trying to determine how much of a value difference it makes.

 

[Peak53]

Maybe 10-15%

 

[bananaman]

JUST ME! I would not own a gun that I was not willing to shoot! Sell both, buy what you are willing to shoot, and pocket the difference.
I bought a Browning A-5 Magnum 12 ga. some years ago at gun show. After I bought it found it to be unfired. Kept it that way for years. I would get it out once and a while and admire it. Finally after years took it to the show, and sold it. Yes, got approx. $200 over what I paid for it.
Bottom line is that I NEVER had the enjoyment of shooting it!
What you are facing is a tough decision! I am glad it is you.... not me. Bob

 

[murphydog]

Although there is no way to be 100% sure about an unfired since factory S & W revolver (aside from your owning them since purchase, and your good word), you will decrease their value to a serious collector by firing them...so if the financial aspect worries you more than the urge to shoot them, I agree with selling them and buying/using another gun without the attached guilt. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Hapworth]

If you're careful in handling, keep loads mild and clean, shooting to a minimum, and clean and store the revolvers properly after, you won't affect value -- they'll be essentially unchanged and even a discerning eye won't see a difference.

So if you must, do it, enjoy, be careful and hope there isn't a mishap like a ring or watch dragging an idiot mark across the pristine finish.

But...you did buy these as investments, and I'd wager that once you spent a little time behind the triggers you'd shrug and realize there's no magic, they're just good S&W revolvers like any other. Not a bad thing, if you've taken care; you'll put them away with curiosity satisfied.

If perchance there's an incident and diminishment of value, though, you'll kick yourself. And for what? Likely to discover they're no more or less fulfilling to fire than a good shooter.

And you might enjoy letting them retain their mystique as "unfired" guns.

In all, likely fine either way, but I'd probably leave them be and love up a few of my favorite shooters instead.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I suppose I don't want any unfired guns around here as I always go out and shoot the acquisitions as soon as possible.

 

[Art Doc]

"Recently obtained."

How much you pay? A 27-2 unfired in box with all stuff seems to sell for $1,500-$5,000 at auction. I have said many times about how many NiB guns I have shot over the years but given current selling prices that would be foolish now.

If you want NiB guns keep them. If you want shooters sell them and buy shooters. That's what I would do, anyway. I don't collect unfired guns, but if I came into one cheap enough I would flip it rather than shoot it. This policy is based solely on economics.

 

[moosedog]

They are both very desirable guns and will only continue to go up in value. If they have gone this long without being fired, I'd leave them that way. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Voyager28]

IMHO, there are enough shooter grade lead launchers out there that can be had fairly cheaply that I would keep the two you have just as they are. In their current condition they are very rare. Once you start shooting them a portion of that rarity goes out the window, or down range, as the case may be.

As they are, they are certainly not going to go down in value.

Bob

 

[Muley Gil]

About 8-9 years ago, I bought a NIB M27, 8 3/8" nickel, in the presentation case. I found a 5" nickel barrel for sale and had David Clements swap them out.

Boy, it sure did shoot good!

 

[Memcdowe41/45]

Thanks for the input guys. I've decidedly to definitely keep the 27-2 as it is. I've got my first child on the way in December and the way these smiths keep increasing in value...who knows future sale of the 27-2 if kept pristine may just knock a big chunk off of her college tuition one day.

I am still debating the 58. I love 41 caliber S&W.

 

[Comrad]

What could their top value ever be? I think sometimes we think our guns will one day be the next Colt Paterson in value when in reality so many people are collecting and keeping guns in very nice shape the values just never amount to much. It's the stuff nobody cared about that have the value because nobody saved any.
Shoot gently and wipe it off when you're done.

 

[M29since14]

If you bought them for "investments" then do not shoot them. That much is simple. If you are a shooter at heart, I would set aside the notion of buying guns for investments and take the position of "shooting - but carefully maintaining."

You may be at a turning point here. Evaluate what you really want to do. "Investing" in unfired guns is frustrating to a shooter.

 

[Snapdragon]

If you got them as investments, keep them unfired.

I do not buy guns as investments and fire all that I have because that is why I bought them. Different people buy guns for different reasons.