Def not shoot it.
Do you like shooting - SHOOT it!
Do you like money - SELL it!
Do you like seeing your kids on Pawn Stars getting some extra cash for a new couch - KEEP IT AS IS!!!
Do you like money - SELL it!
Do you like seeing your kids on Pawn Stars getting some extra cash for a new couch - KEEP IT AS IS!!!
Shoot it, and take your kids and grandkids shooting with it. They will have a lot more good memories associated with it that way than if it were just a wall hanger that they were never allowed to touch. Show them how to care for it and keep it in good shape.
The only reason not to shoot it would be to keep it more valuable in case you ever sell it. Personally I would never sell an heirloom like that, no more than I would sell the Arisaka my grandpa brought back from WWII. So shoot that sucker! They are great rifles, and loads of fun to shoot... especially at long range, like 500-800 yards. Popping steel with irons at that kind of distance is pretty awesome.
The only reason not to shoot it would be to keep it more valuable in case you ever sell it. Personally I would never sell an heirloom like that, no more than I would sell the Arisaka my grandpa brought back from WWII. So shoot that sucker! They are great rifles, and loads of fun to shoot... especially at long range, like 500-800 yards. Popping steel with irons at that kind of distance is pretty awesome.
Lots of great responses with many points I have not even thought about. I am going to my dad's house in a few months, and I am going to take it out, look it over real good, get the serial number and as many pictures as I can for research. I need to get the complete story from my dad and grandfather and go from there. My guess is that it will never be shot, since my dad doesn't want to shoot it. All that being said, if he calls me one day and has decided to take it for a few shots, I will be sure to give you all a full report!
Seeing that my dad is only 60, I hope that I won't have to worry about what I'll do when I inherit this or any of his guns for many, many years.
Seeing that my dad is only 60, I hope that I won't have to worry about what I'll do when I inherit this or any of his guns for many, many years.
Why don't you ask your dad what he'd like to see you do with it?
I haven't read all the intervening posts. However, I'd definitely auction this one off. It will bring a pretty penny if handled correctly.
I really don't see a "family history" in the OP's description. Somebody bought it and it got put in the closet. Not much history there.
I really don't see a "family history" in the OP's description. Somebody bought it and it got put in the closet. Not much history there.
I myself would not shoot it and would not sell it either. I have all of the Ruger 50th Anniversary models in my safe {except the Bearcat} along with a John Wayne Ruger and a John Wayne Model 92 44/40. I bought all of these with full intention of never shooting any of them.
You would be suprised what it might be worth. I've seen them selling for as much as $1600.
Who manufactured it?
It also may have the year of manufacture stamped on the action.
Who manufactured it?
It also may have the year of manufacture stamped on the action.
Reading the title I was thinking shoot it that's what it for, but after reading story I changed my answer. This gun was meant to be kept and passed down with a cool story
I agree with many others. My guns are for shooting, but I do not have any with a story like that. No matter why the original purchaser bought the gun, it has been a tradition to not shoot and to pass it on. I would carry that tradition on. You cannot say what your heirs will do once you're gone, but that is no reason for you not to do your part to carry on the tradition. I personally would not get it appraised, because the value might tempt you to sell it to buy something that has no history. Admire it with your father and children.
