Do You Actually Use Your Expensive Custom Guns or Keep Them as Safe Queens?

I’ve noticed a divide among gun enthusiasts when it comes to high-end, custom firearms. Some people take pride in using their expensive pieces regularly, while others prefer to keep them pristine as safe queens or wall hangers.

I’m curious—what’s your approach? If you own a high-dollar custom firearm, do you take it out to the range, hunt with it, or use it in the field? Or do you reserve it as a display piece, appreciating its craftsmanship from a distance?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on why you choose to use or not use your custom guns. Does it come down to the potential wear and tear, the value, or perhaps the sentimental aspect? And for those who do use them, how do you balance enjoying your investment with maintaining its condition?

I just acquired this Armstrong rifle below and I’ve already had people treat me like I’m nuts for wanting to use it in the manner I described.

Looking forward to hearing your perspectives!

I like nice things for my use, the next generation can get their own or make do with my used nice stuff.

I don't really like using original (ancient) parts. I'm old and clumsy, and accidents happen, so maybe it's a form of respect: I wouldn't want to damage or destroy them...

it depends on the definition of custom.
when i finish a rifle, the first thing i do is load and fire it. won't take the chance of selling one that won't operate and shoot accurately. generally give the buyer the best load information. That takes some shooting to know.
if i had a rifle from say Hershel House, I would shoot it out of respect of a master. Hunt it? good weather yes, bad weather (Rain)? nope.

I use them all. If you don't use them, your kids will sell them for $.50 on the dollar when you are gone. It is like having one of those rare violins or guitars and not playing it. Depends on whether you want to use it or look at it.

There’s no right or wrong answers here, boys and girls. I’m just genuinely curious, and I can understand both sides of the debate.

Personally, I feel using even the most expensive and elegant firearms instead of relegating them to mere wall hangers honors the craftsmanship and purpose for which they were created. These firearms are not just works of art but are meticulously engineered tools designed for performance. When they’re used, they fulfill their intended role, providing the satisfaction of experiencing their precision and handling firsthand.

In contrast, relegating them to the status of a wall hanger -in my opinion- diminishes their functional value and disconnects them from the purpose that makes them truly valuable. While they are undeniably beautiful to look at, their true beauty is in their use. By using them, we celebrate not just their form, but their function, and the legacy of craftsmanship that went into their creation.

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I have a few of the $10,000+ guns. I am not going to spend that much money on a gun unless I intend to get a lot of use out of it. Spending money on a gun then putting it in a safe and never shooting it makes no sense. Easier to put a pile of cash in a safe and look at it every now and then instead.

IF one has historical museum material anything, I feel it should be preserved for future generations. A super nice custom rifle to me, does not fall into that category. I have some nice rifles I am proud to show, but I shoot them. I got into this sport to shoot and shoot I do.
Larry

billraby said:

I have a few of the $10,000+ guns. I am not going to spend that much money on a gun unless I intend to get a lot of use out of it. Spending money on a gun then putting it in a safe and never shooting it makes no sense. Easier to put a pile of cash in a safe and look at it every now and then instead.

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You make a fine point. Good for you!

billraby said:

I have a few of the $10,000+ guns. I am not going to spend that much money on a gun unless I intend to get a lot of use out of it. Spending money on a gun then putting it in a safe and never shooting it makes no sense. Easier to put a pile of cash in a safe and look at it every now and then instead.

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Larry

CHOOT EM!
I've shot with guys who had 100k$ guns.
Myself owned suppositories over 10 grand .
A Muzzleloader over 3 grand is just another shooter to me.

If it CAN be shot, I will shoot it.

billraby said:

I have a few of the $10,000+ guns. I am not going to spend that much money on a gun unless I intend to get a lot of use out of it. Spending money on a gun then putting it in a safe and never shooting it makes no sense. Easier to put a pile of cash in a safe and look at it every now and then instead.

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The gun get worth more, the cash gets worth less, lately pretty fast.

Boy, now here’s a problem that I wish I had…

Call me crazy, but I can’t lock in a safe my beautiful custom muzzle loaders. Mine are all displayed and are used regularly.

I don't collect guns only to keep them secure in my gun closet for their potential value appreciation. They're all eligible to be shot, and they do get shot when their turn comes around, and if ammo is available (pretty sketchy for some, like my 6.5 Arisakas and Carcanos for example). With all the guns I own, that's maybe once in every three years for any one gun. But if they're not shootable, I don't want them in my inventory. I'm a collector and I'm also a shooter.

wiscoaster said:

and if ammo is available (pretty sketchy for some, like my 6.5 Arisakas and Carcanos for example).

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Reload

I had a custom Lancaster rifle made just to my specs. The satisfaction I get from shooting a rifle that fits well, has quick lock time and is very accurate is one of life's great pleasures. If i didn't shoot it I would only know that it looks nice on the wall.

If i wanted something just to look at, I would buy a few more Howard Terpening paintings.
I have one safe queen that lives in a safety deposit box. wife won't even let me fondle it due to an appraiser named Flayderman advising her not to let me. have been mad at him ever since. not really! I miss you Norm.