Why so much for this 29-2 ????

[lagavulin62]

I'm of the camp that believes in shooting what you have. however being a collector of more than just guns I do understand that we are merely temporary preservers of history so if would seem to make sense to shoot those in lesser grade and put away the pristine ones. it's easier to follow that with old coins or currency that have no practical use today. guns are unfortunately a different matter to many. but the govt does more damage to history than some idiot shooting full loads through a near perfect 30 year old gun or some guy stapling a rare montgomery issue confederate note to his mounting board. think of the govt melting down all those gold coins, or more specific to this hobby the pictures of guns being turned in to the govt like in england and other countries. get a screwball in power with no respect for history and thats the real concern. sorry for veering off the main road, just wanted to exhale a little.

 

[Loy Loyola]

shoot it.

that's why they call them shootin' irons.

 

[CT Smith Fan]

One point that no one has made is that 25 years ago,I could walk out my back door, set up a target with a good backstop and shoot a 44 magnum until my hand hurt.These days in Connecticut by the time you loaded your second cylinder I'm sure you would have some un-invited guests visiting you and questioning your sanity.However this diversity is what makes this a great hobby.It's very similar to watching the Barrett-Jackson auction and saying "I had a GTO like that and used to beat the crap out of it every day! If I only had it now"

 

[shawplat1]

In reality, the price that the gun went for was not all that much. It costs $1100 to purchase a new production model 29, so its a deal to me to pick up a brand new p&r model for around the same.

 

[Duke426]

I doubt there is any gun out there (even J. Edgar Hoover's Registered Magnum) that would allow you to retire on the proceeds of its sale - unfired or not.

Sooooooo......

Shoot the gun and enjoy it!!!

 

[SWID]

One point that no one has made is that 25 years ago,I could walk out my back door, set up a target with a good backstop and shoot a 44 magnum until my hand hurt.These days in Connecticut by the time you loaded your second cylinder I'm sure you would have some un-invited guests visiting you and questioning your sanity. "

Move to Idaho, I shoot off my porch all the time.

 

[stevieboy]

I also watched that auction on GB with a certain amazement. I think that Tom's "shill buyer" theory may have merit.

As for whether to shoot, I'm the wrong guy to ask. I buy 'em I shoot 'em. Honestly, I wouldn't have the willpower to let a handgun sit very long unfired. The intense curiosity to find out what it is capable of would overwhelm me. And, even before I took it to the range, I'd be dry firing it just to test the lockup and trigger. So, the gun would acquire a turn line even before I sent the first bullet down the barrel.

I have a great deal of respect for those who buy pristine and rare guns solely as collectors' items. The ones I buy generally aren't rare, and they're rarely pristine.

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

I have many that are unfired after leaving the factory. Generally, I also have a shooter copy of the same gun. If I aquired the 4 inch 29 in question, I'd not shoot it as I already have both a 3 and 6 inch 'shooter' 29. Buy the same token would you 'gotta shoot it' guys take the 29 nickel 6 inch unfired I have a go shoot it? Even though I have the exact same gun in a shooter? Sometimes, you do not make good sense to me.

 

[Art Doc]

Are you a shooter or a collector? You have to decide.

Yes, shooting a like new gun reduces the value to a collector. Have you decided which you are, yet?

I have shot a bunch of older guns I purchased that were previously unused but this was not by design. I shoot my guns and I just happened to get good deals on the like new ones. I wasn't specifically seeking them out. But once I had them, I shot them.

I am not into the collector frame of mind. To me it's sort of like marrying Miss America and then sleeping on the couch. Others derive pleasure from leaving things in pristine condition. So be it.

 

[Sportsterguy]

shoot the gun...let whoever inherits it worry about the "lesser value"you have fun with it...i think most collectors have a gun or two held back unfired...more or less most are fired and well cared for

My thinking too. Shoot the h*** outta them! Money won't do a thing for ya when it's your time. I have way more fun shooting them than bringing them out of the safe for their monthly wipedown.

I only have 2 I try to keep the numbers down on. A primo 4" nickel 57 and a 2.5" nickel 19-3. All the others are shot very often and properly cared for.

 

[smith17]

SP:
Not comparable. Even if you sleep on the couch after marrying Miss America, she won't look the same 30 years later. The gun will.
Ed