Buyer’s Preference: pre-fired or un-fired?

[PathfinderNC]

Hi. I am not sure where to post this question, so if it belongs elsewhere please help me out!
My question is about a newly finished rifle that I will soon up for sale:
Should I first shoot the Flintlock rifle I plan to sell or leave it un-fired? (This is a Kibler kit rifle I just completed).
Thanks for any suggestions.
-Bob

 

[Sidney Smith]

Why are you selling a just finished rifle? If me, Id fire it, if for no other reason than to check its functionality.

 

[Bob McBride]

If a prospective buyer would rather a newly built Kibler to be unfired then they are likely the type of person to squeeze the joy out of anything and are best avoided like the plague. Don’t rob yourself of the joy of popping a few shots… To confirm she functions correctly and to get her generally sighted in, as any good builder ought to do….

 

[PathfinderNC]

Why are you selling a just finished rifle? If me, Id fire it, if for no other reason than to check its functionality.

I bought this kit to build the rifle for the joy of building it. It's done, looks lovely and I just didn't know if prospective buyers are more interested in an un-fired new rifle or an already "christened" one.
It will be fun to shoot though.
My god, I might decide to keep it then...

 

[PathfinderNC]

If a prospective buyer would rather a newly built Kibler to be unfired then they are likely the type of person to squeeze the joy out of anything and are best avoided like the plague. Don’t rob yourself of the joy of popping a few shots… To confirm she functions correctly and to get her generally sighted in, as any good builder ought to do….

Thanks Bob- I like your line of thinking

 

[kje54]

Guns? Don't really care one way or the other. Pottery on the other hand I definitely prefer it pre-fired............

 

[troy2000]

I may be wrong, but I believe most or all commercially-produced guns are test fired. And personally, I'd be leery about buying a gun that hadn't been fired at least a time or two, to make sure it functions properly... I have no desire to be a firearms beta tester.

 

[oldwood]

Vast majority of custom gun buyers don't gripe about having their gun sighted in. The 10 or so shots needed to file the front sight down ,you'll know if all is working , ok.

 

[troy2000]

Vast majority of custom gun buyers don't gripe about having their gun sighted in. The 10 or so shots needed to file the front sight down ,you'll know if all is working , ok.

Yeah... when it comes to a gun, I don't think many people are worried about its virginity. They just don't want it to be worn out.

 

[PathfinderNC]

Sounds like I should go ahead and let 'er rock . It'll be my first with a .40 and should be fun.
Maybe I can make a video.
I appreciate all the suggestions!

 

[ord sgt]

Most definitely yes, shoot the rifle. If for nothing else, peace of mind. You will know that all of your work was worth the effort. Get the flash from the pan into the barrel and see the flame and smoke erupt from the barrel. It is very satisfying to see and hear.

 

[Pete G]

Firing it turns a new gun into a used gun...

 

[PathfinderNC]

Firing it turns a new gun into a used gun...

Good point

 

[Griz44Mag]

I have exceptionally good luck buying used guns, especially from members of this forum.
All the kinks have been solved and the seller usually has a great pet load already developed. Along with the sights already set and adjusted for a good zero.

 

[Griz44Mag]

To the OP -
Post some pictures. We all love to see what others here are doing.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Fire for function and get a group on paper. Don't sight it in

 

[deerstalkert]

my personal way of looking at "used" is something that has been "used". fresh built with function firing falls outside that to me. i have had one unfired gun in my life. i sent it unfired down the road. now i wish i had fired it.
shoot the thing if for no other reason than to see if it works.

 

[Celticstoneman]

Firing it turns a new gun into a used gun...

Wrong. Putting 100 or so rounds down a barrel makes it a used gun. An unfired gun is always a question ' is it safe or not?'

 

[PathfinderNC]

To the OP -
Post some pictures. We all love to see what others here are doing.

I have and will post more.

 

[PathfinderNC]

my personal way of looking at "used" is something that has been "used". fresh built with function firing falls outside that to me. i have had one unfired gun in my life. i sent it unfired down the road. now i wish i had fired it.
shoot the thing if for no other reason than to see if it works.

I had just finished my first Kibler build (Cherry Colonial style with a brass patch box) and someone bought it before I could shoot it. That was a pretty gun!