Too Nice to Use - My Model 38 BodyGuard

[canoesmith]

Does this happen to anyone else? You find the perfect weapon, one that should be well worn as it is 30 years old, but it is in new condition, with maybe 5 rounds through it. It has the original unmarked box, and the original wax paper, the tools are still sealed in the bag - the paperwork is sharply creased and folded and the tag on the box is pristine.

Well it happened to me a while back, I wanted an old Model 38 BodyGuard to carry in my pocket in the summer here in Scottsdale and after some WTB posts this one comes to me. Of course why buy well worn weapon when for a few dollars more you can have a 30 year old new gun?

Because you won't ever carry it, use it or wan't to handle it without white gloves on - that's why!!

I pull it out like a piece of art and hold it, and look into the depths of its perfectly blued cylinder and barrel, the perfect unmarred aluminum frame - I say to myself, "there aren't many this nice of these anymore" , I show it to friends who oooh and ahhh and then I put it back into the safe thrilled and frustrated that I own this weapon.

Anyone else have this strangely silly problem? Sell it?? No, never - it is too nice. Carry it, no never it is too nice. What the hell good is it? In the meantime my Kahr PM 9 fills the void capably - but so what. Me and my BodyGuard have a love/hate relationship - much like my first wife. She was beautiful too and also didnt like being touched.

Here is a pic of my safe queen Model 38 BodyGuard.

http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn271/canoesmith/?action=view&current=Model38.jpg

 

[old bear]

M - 38 use

I went through the same process when I bought my M-27, then I finally realized that, it like your M-38, was designed and built to be used and enjoyed. I also reminded myself that I refuse to be possessed by my possessions. My advice Take care of it, but shoot and enjoy it.

 

[Duke426]

I went through the same process when I bought my M-27, then I finally realized that, it like your M-38 was designed and built to be used and enjoyed. I also reminded myself that I refuse to be possessed by my possessions. My advice Take care of it, but shoot and enjoy it.

+1

Excellent advice for more than just firearms.

 

[mayo]

thats a beautiful looking gun you got there. I love the way the bodyguard style revolvers look

 

[TNDave]

Not a bad problem to have

 

[roymack]

Nice pistol. I wouldn't fire it either. Would you be interested in selling?
If so, email me at [email protected]

 

[CQB27]

I have never owned a firearm I have not shot. I have bought/traded for many firearms that were handled and rarely shot. As soon as they are mine, I ring them out. I am currently waiting for a M29-2 to arrive at my favorite FFL. I already have 50 rounds 44 mag and 50 rounds 44 special waiting for it to be shot within one hour of picking it up.

Shoot it! Carry it! Develope a bond with it! You will not be sorry. You may however, many years from now, find yourself in a condition/situation where you are no longer able to shoot. Having never fired that gun, I bet you would give anything for just one more chance to run it hard. Just my thoughts, YMMV.

 

[JSR III]

Buy another one to shoot or sell it and then buy another one to shoot. There are fewer and fewer safe queens out there for those that collect NIB guns. Why spoil it if there are shooters available? JMHO

 

[sheriffoconee]

I shoot all my handguns, new or used, before I get home with them. I won't have a gun in the house that won't shoot, or that I am unwilling to shoot

 

[canoesmith]

Thanks everyone, you are all right. I have shot it, I put 5 through it - it works. I have 2 model 60 no dashes that I work through often and carry occasionally, it shoots the same as those. I have about 25 handguns so I am not going about empty handed because of my reluctance. These bodyguard J's end up in pockets with change and keys - and the aluminum scratches pretty easy. So without a driving need to use this one it sits pristine. Which as I stated is a shame - since I do not fancy myself a collector per se.

Probably right, I should buy a beater and use that one without concern.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I know your pain,I have a model 38 like yours.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I know what you mean! This one taught me a lesson. I found this M-38 used ,no box and was just filthy, got a good buy on it and took it home and cleaned it up and it came out really nice. Now I really know if you dont abuse em, you can shoot them and keep them nice.

 

[Engine49guy]

I have the same affliction,
If its an old pristine collectable it pains me to ruin the finish.

 

[Smithboomer]

+2. I found a mint Model 38 last year that a businessman keep (in the S&W box) in his desk drawer for 30+ years. I doubt it had more than 50 rounds through it. Too nice to carry.... now a safe queen.

 

[earplug]

Keep your safe Queen. My M-38 was bought for me by a good friend.
I carried it for about twenty years, until my eyes said a fat new style front sight was better for carry.
Now my M-38 is a fine home gun. Kind of like a old dog that is smarter but slower then the new dog.
Of course safe queens keep history alive for collectors.

 

[32sgteot]

Why would anyone own a gun they could not shoot ? It seems useless to me,

 

[cherokee5425]

Yeah, I have the same problem with 2 NIB model 36" from 1962, I ended up selling one but kept the one, doesnt even have a turn ring on the cylinder. Thankfully I ran across a slitly newer one that I can carry. I also picked up a NIB 3" model 36 sb. But I love the 3" so much that I believe I"ll use that one for a woods walking one.

 

[borntoraisehogs]

There is nobody in the world more worthy to use that beautiful weapon than you .

 

[Richard Simmons]

Why would anyone own a gun they could not shoot ? It seems useless to me,

There is a difference between a gun that can't be fired and a gun that should not or perhaps more accurately, need not be fired. How useful is the gun that went to the range last year and has been sitting in the safe, untouched since then?

Just because you have or haven't shot something doesn't make it "useless". Is art useless? Is a mint 69 Chevelle SS in a car collection "useless" because it's only been trailed to shows?

A lot of things don't get "used" but they sure do get enjoyed and perhaps more importantly they continue to increase in value and desireability while they are being enjoyed. Buying something today for one price, enjoying it in any number of "useless" ways then selling it later for an even higher price seems pretty useful to me.

 

[canoesmith]

Amen - Richard Simmons!!