Should I or should I not?

[Flintlock Whiskey]

I acquired a Colt 1860 Army today. Now when I say Colt, I mean a reproduction gun made by Uberti for Colt that is a faithful reproduction. No proof marks or advisories stamped all over it. Never fired, matching serials, still in original wrapping and original oil that has become goo. As an aside, I didn't know the originals had steel back straps until today.
Anyway, I am torn between making it a safe queen or actually shooting it. Seriously I don't know what to do. If I shoot it I figure it will loose a hundred or so dollars in value.
Seriously, what would you do and why?

 

[awreis]

If you never plan on selling it, why not shoot it and enjoy it as it was made to be done with.

 

[The Miner '49er]

@Flintlock Whiskey this was discussed recently in the General forum under Do you actually use your expensive guns ...? Consensus of opinion was yes and no with more on the yes side. My opinion is that there isn't a right or a wrong answer. Personally, I have one pair of caplock derringers, in a beautiful boxed set, with all accoutrements, that I can't yet bring myself to shoot as they remain unfired since made in the 1980's. Maybe someday, but not today. The bell can't be unrung. While they aren't original Deringer pistols, thus far I appreciate them as examples of the gun makers art. I know this probably won't help you, but don't rush your decision.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

@Flintlock Whiskey this was discussed recently in the General forum under Do you actually use your expensive guns ...? Consensus of opinion was yes and no with more on the yes side. My opinion is that there isn't a right or a wrong answer. Personally, I have one pair of caplock derringers, in a beautiful boxed set, with all accoutrements, that I can't yet bring myself to shoot as they remain unfired since made in the 1980's. Maybe someday, but not today. The bell can't be unrung. While they aren't original Deringer pistols, thus far I appreciate them as examples of the gun makers art. I know this probably won't help you, but don't rush your decision.

Actually, your saying to don't rush it resonates with me, thanks.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

If you never plan on selling it, why not shoot it and enjoy it as it was made to be done with.

Very good point, thanks.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

In just the few replies I've received I'm leaning towards shooting it. I'd hate for my last thought as I take my last breath to be "dang! Shoulda shot it!" And the rest of the other things like telling my wife this, that and the other thing....

 

[waksupi]

It may be worth more to your great great great great grand kids, but as for now, you may as well shoot it.

 

[Gtrubicon]

I would shoot it, no matter how long it sits in its original box it will never be an original. I would enjoy it.

 

[Ed C.]

If you have other guns to shoot, shoot them while you decide what to do. Your decision. Personally, I would not purchase a gun that I wouldn't shoot. How much pleasure will it give you sitting in the safe?

 

[The Miner '49er]

Consider if it were an unmentionable, like a popular gun that rhymes with "clock", my guess is everyone, myself too, would shoot it without a second thought. Why?, bc it could easily be replaced for an amount most could afford. Something like what the op has I don't believe is in that easily found and easily replaced category so IMHO that needs to be factored in this decision. No right, no wrong. This is a great example that those of us who merely have things like this to worry about are extremely lucky. Put it on display where you can see it and handle it whenever you want. That might give you great satisfaction. If not, load 'er up and press the trigger.

 

[awreis]

Very good point, thanks.

I was also in the same boat. It's a long story but I recieved a LeMatt revolver as a gift from a family friend that was unfired. I haven't shot it yet but I do plan on it. Yes it would be worth more u fired, but I'm never gonna sell it so I know I'll get more enjoyment out of it by firing it than just looking at it every now and again insode my safe. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SDSmlf]

Seriously, what would you do and why?

Why did you buy the gun? To shoot or as a ‘collector’ piece? Did you pay a collector’s premium because it wasn’t previously shot? For $320 MidwayUSA will send you another shiny new one today (did not check prices elsewhere). https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1970158854

 

[Banjoman]

Motorcycles are made to be ridden, cowboy hats are made to be worn, trucks are made to haul stuff and guitars are are made to play,,,,,,,



seriously.

 

[Whitworth]

Since it's a repo shoot it and enjoy it. Hopefully a couple hundred dollars in value won't make or break you when reselling so let the next owner worry about any wear you put on it having fun. If it was a second generation Colt I'd be reluctant $$ wise. I have a 2nd gen Colt 1862 Police I haven't shot.....yet YMMV

 

[wiscoaster]

Concur with "shoot it".

 

[I Did It Again]

I would not presume to “tell you” what to do. I can only share my philosophy on the subject. EVERY firearm I purchase, modern or otherwise, I purchase with intent to use. My mantra has always been “All my guns are shooters”. Now I will grant that I have some firearms that remain unfired but that is because I simply haven’t gotten to range with that particular firearm (yet).
Life is far too short and uncertain to worry about the value of a material object “losing $100 in value”. If I spend hard earned $ to purchase something, you can bet I intend to enjoy it.
I know some may consider it heresy but I have a 2nd Generation Colt
2nd model Dragoon that I have fired and carried on horseback while riding with a living history cavalry unit.

 

[Mikekj]

No matter how long it sits in a pretty case, it’s still a just Uberti with Colt markings.

 

[RMFnLA]

I have the same dilemma. I have three 2nd Gen Colts, all unfired, and they are so darn pretty I’m reluctant to shoot them.

FWIW, I believe the blackstrap is plated brass.

 

[Jay Templin]

I acquired a Colt 1860 Army today. Now when I say Colt, I mean a reproduction gun made by Uberti for Colt that is a faithful reproduction. No proof marks or advisories stamped all over it. Never fired, matching serials, still in original wrapping and original oil that has become goo. As an aside, I didn't know the originals had steel back straps until today.
Anyway, I am torn between making it a safe queen or actually shooting it. Seriously I don't know what to do. If I shoot it I figure it will loose a hundred or so dollars in value.
Seriously, what would you do and why?

Did you buy a gun? Shoot the darn thing. If you bought it as an investment, stick it under your mattress or whatever, but a gun is meant to be used. I won’t buy a gun I won’t fire. “It will lose a hundred dollars or so in value.” For me, I don’t care one bit. The resale value of my guns is my kids’ lookout, not mine!
Jay

 

[springfield art]

I acquired a Colt 1860 Army today. Now when I say Colt, I mean a reproduction gun made by Uberti for Colt that is a faithful reproduction. No proof marks or advisories stamped all over it. Never fired, matching serials, still in original wrapping and original oil that has become goo. As an aside, I didn't know the originals had steel back straps until today.
Anyway, I am torn between making it a safe queen or actually shooting it. Seriously I don't know what to do. If I shoot it I figure it will loose a hundred or so dollars in value.
Seriously, what would you do and why?

We all get tied up in that conundrum. If you "queen" it, it will remain un-touched by you and you may make some profit down the road, or you can shoot it and simply enjoy! BTW, I think the guy behind the current Henry Rifle company was the force behind the Colt Blackpowder Series; parts made in Italy, and finished and assembled here. They are a very popular collectible unto themselves. Good luck!