To fire or not to fire?

[redhemi]

That is the question. My Grandfather was given this gun by a Texas based branch of a club that he belonged to back in the early 90s. It's a FIE 22lr model "Gold Rush" 4 3/4 with gold plated frame and bands on the CYL and barrel, Ivory grips and has "Made in USA" stamped on bottom of frame. My Grandfather did pass a number of years ago and it was my mother that gave this to me when she came out for a visit from Ohio. It has never been fired that's why I ask "To fire or not to fire" what say you fellow Calgunners.

[mdib870]

fire once (cylinder or two)

[350skylark]

Are you a collector? or a shooter? What about your grandpa?

[gogohopper]

200 rounds exactly, like a good, honest calgunner.

[redhemi]

Are you a collector? or a shooter? What about your grandpa?

I'm a shooter. As for my grandpa he was a fisherman and loved it.

[DArBad]

I guess the reason it was given to you is for you to enjoy it. I would fire and enjoy the piece.

[rcslotcar]

It isn't a collectible Colt, shoot it!

[DSB]

What's going to give you more enjoyment? Shooting it or keeping it in new condition? I

[Barbarosa]

It's an FIE. They aren't known for their shootability, so it would just be for plinking and you could do that with any .22. It is a beautiful gun and a family heirloom. If you have another .22 to shoot I say leave it unfired and pass it on some day.

That said I shoot everything in my safe.

[sealocan]

"YOUR FIRED !!!"


( I never watched Donald trumps TV show but I did hear that catch phrase too much.)


.. I'm glad this thread isn't about you having to let someone go from your company.


secondly there so many factors to consider.

do you think your grandfather would ever have a commemorative fishing rod that never got used? not mine.

is this the only thing (or more specifically firearm) your grandfather passed to you, and that you may pass on down to whoever?

how much would a similar gun sell for on gunbroker or other auction sites will tell you its financial value
(my wild guess would be under $400) but you need to think about its sentimental value.

lastly if you just would like that type of pistol to go shooting you know that one of the best buys in 22 long rifle pistols are those Heritage Rough Riders that I believe are made in Florida & they go for under $200.
brand new with a warranty and no sentimental attachments.

[CSACANNONEER]

It has a lot more value as an heirloom than as a shooter or collectible. It's a FIE, it's probably worth $75 on a good day. That said, I wouldn't want to shoot it and break something. I would make a little shadow box for it and display it without shooting it.

[trackcage]

Why did your grandpa choose to leave the weapon unfired? Is there more to the story? With the info given it doesn't seem rare/valuable (other than sentiment) so I say enjoy it

[Satex]

Shoot it, enjoy it.

[PachecoFTW]

That's a heirloom, plinker yes, collectable no.

[walter]

if he didn't fire it, you shouldn't either. that IS a collectible piece.