Would you shoot it or keep it in the safe?

[Shoot Summ]

Your call, although for me, I would shoot it. As a family heirloom you will keep it forever and pass it along, I would at least enjoy shooting it. My Dad has an old Colt Peacemaker .22 that has never been shot, when I get it I will shoot it.

 

[Cedar Creek]

Shoot it or sell it is what I always say. However - if keeping it in unfired condition gives you more happiness, that's what your should do.

Cedar Creek

 

[Dr. HK]

Personally I would look at the value of the gun both as is, or fired in excellent shape. Then I would base shoot it verses leave as -is based on my itch to shoot it. I would never sell it that is for sure.

 

[Glocktogo]

An unfired 03' Springfield is a rarity. Normally I'd always say shoot it or sell it, but not in this case. I'd have it appraised and find out how much value would be lost if it was fired at thsi point. There are plenty of shooter grade Springfields to be had, but unfired? Not so much...

 

[Chief Sapulpa]

If you are not going to shoot it, then I would have it professionally appraised. Then either pass it on to an heir that would treasure it or possibly consider donating it to a firearm museum so others could enjoy it.

 

[kd5rjz]

I would have a hard time not shooting it.

I definitely wouldn't sell it.

 

[Buzzdraw]

There are Springfield .30-'06's out there that have been shot, ample of them. If this one truly hasn't been fired since the day it left the arsenal, then perhaps its best to leave it unfired. Too many fired examples out there to enjoy.

Years ago I ended up with an 03-A3 in unfired condition. Couldn't bring myself to shoot it. Instead I lucked into another 03-A3 with 50-100 rounds fired; that one I shoot. Both externally look about the same, but internally, looking close, you can tell the slight use.

I'd caution working the action, cranking on screws, etc of the one referenced by the OP. Leave as near pristine as possible.

 

[HiredHand]

I would definitely wait for the next local gun buy back and get yourself 50-100 dollars in gift cards for it. Absolutely, no reason for a weapon of war to be in the hands of a civilian.

 

[Preacherman]

I would not shoot it. I think w/a back story like yours it justs adds to the value.

 

[Okie4570]

Don't sell it, maybe auction off a chance for the first shot out of an unfired 1903 made in ???? and donate it to an organization or something.