Would you shoot this one?

[FWS]

Hi there. I just bought an unfired 28-2, 4" (1978). Normally, I use all my guns. With this one being prestine, I am hesitant. Would you shoot it?
Sorry, no pics as I am still counting down the 10 day wait (Kalif.)
Thanks

 

[FWS]

Hi there. I just bought an unfired 28-2, 4" (1978). Normally, I use all my guns. With this one being prestine, I am hesitant. Would you shoot it?
Sorry, no pics as I am still counting down the 10 day wait (Kalif.)
Thanks

 

[Rigmover]

Hi i know how you feel about shooting something thats still new. i have a 57 no dash thats 30 years old too that i haven't shot yet but i know i will one day. But if you take good care of it when you take it out and shoot it try not cratch it up and put a box or two through it and clean it very well it will still look like new.And if you're going to play with it without shooting it your still going to get them turn lines on your cylinder.And it will look like its been shot so its up to you what you want to do.My 28-2 that i have probly put a couple thousand rounds through it mostly 38's and still looks like new they hold up good love blued guns more then the stainless ones. Blued guns are easier to keep clean. So enjoy your new gun and a very nice find too..

 

[j38]

I agree with Rigmover on this issue. The 28-2 is not a rare collector's piece. They made a lot of these guns. Unless it has some special provenance, shoot it, take care of it - and ENJOY it!

Jerry

 

[Hoot]

I wouldn't if it were mine. I haven't seen many (any?) unfired 28s. I'm thinking the value in unfired condition would be much greater to a collector, especially given that the 28 was a more utilitarian gun, and that most of them were given a pretty good workout. Value of the 28 has risen a lot lately, and what was once a gun that nobody thought much of (other than as a shooter) has now found serious collector interest.

The real question is, what will give you the most pleasure...

 

[firestrat]

First off, welcome to the forum!

I agree with Hoot, how many unfired 28's do you see? Not many would be a good guess. If you are serious about shooting and not "collecting" you could probably get a good penny for your 28 and buy a shooter and pocket some coin in the process.

 

[David Sinko]

I most certainly would shoot it. Hell, my concealed carry piece is a Commemorative gun.

Dave Sinko

 

[BUFF]

If I bought it primarily to just HAVE it and planned to sell it some day, then no, I wouldn't shoot it.

Otherwise, yes I would shoot it. As already pointed out, if one is careful, doesn't holster-carry it and cleans it carefully, wear will be greatly minimized. If kept with all documents, papers, tools and the box, a very nice, very clean common gun won't sell for a lot less than a common NIB gun.

 

[ken158]

I dont believe the difference in value between unfired and fired will be much. Guns in general are not good investments, and they made plenty of 28's. I got a new in the box 6" last week for $400 from a dealer that bought an estate.

 

[Messer]

I look at it this way - S&W already fired it before it left the factory. Why should they have all the fun?

 

[catdad]

I have a NIB "4" inch 28-2 and have not shot it yet, I will most likely keep it unfired and buy a shooter grade for fun.

 

[feralmerril]

Why did you buy it? It isnt THAT rare. Now if I stumbled across a 100 year old colt SAA, or a unfired triplelock that would be a different story. Do you have another 357 in a similar configeration? That would be another factor. Hey, its up to you!

 

[stevieboy]

I buy 'em to shoot 'em. This Spring I bought a NIB 617-1, vintage 1993, at a gun show. Obviously, it's not a collectors item but still, it was in pristine condition when I got it. I've since put over 5,000 rounds through it.

 

[spearcrow]

I'd shoot it, or sell it and use the money to buy a lesser grade 28, and several boxes of ammo.

 

[ENH]

Why have it if you don't shoot it. Not rare and is meant to be shot and is one that is a pure pleasure to shoot.

 

[ldp4570]

No safe queens here!!! If I buy it I shoot it!

 

[deanodog]

I would not let someone else have the pleasure of shooting and enjoying such a wonderful work of art but me. You may not have the chance again.....SHOOT IT

 

[FWS]

Thank you all for the advice. You raised some good points. My problem stems mostly from the fact of living in CA. This severely limits my choices, which is why I jumped on this one in the first place. I will try adding another 28 or 27 if I can find it. I plan on keeping this one and so I might just use it once in a while. Meanwhile I have other things to play with as well (686-6, King Cobra, Python).
Cheers!

 

[Gary]

Model 28s are wonderful shooters. What would you rather have, a lifetime of shooting experiences with a gun that over time will become a part of you, or a little more money when and if you decide to sell it?

 

[nn]

I'd shoot it or not buy it in the first place.