Would you shoot it or keep it in the safe?

[BangBangJamDang]

My dad has had this gun locked away for years that I never paid any attention to as a kid. The main reason that it had little appeal to me was the fact that my dad said we weren’t allowed to shoot it. As time went on, I forgot that he even owned the gun. A couple weeks ago I was asking him about it, and I found out it is a M1903 Springfield 30-06 that has never been fired. It still has the paper wad in the barrel that came with it from the factory. The story is that my grandfather’s brother bought 3 of these new before my dad was even born. He kept one, gave one to my grandfather, and gave one to their other brother. My grandfather just put his away and never shot it. Years later my dad wound up with and put it in his gun safe where it sits to this day.

I don’t know how old this one is, but I plan on getting the serial number off it next time I am at my dad’s house. My grandfather does have a M1 Garand hanging above his fireplace, but that is a story for another time. (I have no idea where it came from)

So my question is, what would you all do with it? Would you clean it up and shoot it or just leave it to be passed on down the line? I know they aren’t a huge collector’s item, and there were tons of them made.

 

[beast1989]

I know the guys are going to come along and scream "shoot it!", but I wouldnt shoot it. I would do my best to keep it exactly the same as the two generations before me had left it to me. Simple as that.

 

[rlongnt]

Normally I would always say shoot it but like was said above, both previous owners saved it in pristine unfired condition. The question is whether they did that so you could fire it and enjoy or if you too should continue the tradition for later generations. Let’s all hope they even can.

Damn tough call.

I bet everyone would love to see a photo though.

 

[Lurker66]

I wouldnt shoot it. I would sell it.

 

[nos8ed]

Wouldn't shoot it and wouldn't sell it. Some things are meant to stay in the family.

Note:
I would have it appraised and maybe look at insuring it?

 

[MFCEO]

Let your father decide what to do with it, he's had it pout away for a reason

 

[65ny]

I'd keep it just as it is regardless of it's monitary value. It's family history would make it priceless to me. If it were me, I might try to find one of the same model as a shooter and keep the other one unfired.

 

[HMCS(FMF)Ret.]

I'd shoot it...at least every once in awhile. Keep it in good condition and pass it down to the kids. If it's not something you want to shoot, I'd sell it. I doubt your Grandfathers brother bought it with the idea it should sit around and collect dust.

 

[YakBasser]

That is Just Too Cool, and I Agree. Dont Shoot, just look at it ALOT.

 

[victor3ranger]

I would keep it as is and protect its condition to hand down to next generation. I would not sell it either, to come across a unfired pristine M1903 is almost unheard of.