Collectible guns question

[Esquire]

You know how other collectibles like action figures or baseball cards lose their value if actually used, i.e., taken out of the box? Is it similar with collectible guns?

I'm thinking about buying a brand new rifle as a collectible. Would shooting it reduce its value? Should I keep it unfired?

[beetle]

Yes, shooting it does reduce value. If it really is meant to be a collectable, keeping it factory fresh the way to go (keep all hang tags, stickers, etc original).

[TakeFive]

Keep in mind that factory fresh is not the same as unfired. Most factory guns are fired, hence the cartridge case that comes with the gun. I do not know when this became a universal practice, so there are certainly older guns that have remained unfired, but it would be hard to prove one way or the other. Collectability remains in the eye of the collector, but in my experience, unmodified from original configuration and not refinished in any way, regardless of age, both increase value compared to an altered gun.

[Alan Block]

Guns also deteriorate unless stored under perfect

conditions too. That is why they have a word like 'safe queen'. probably not a good idea investing in mint condition collectables until you can properly take care of them. Otherwise its like throwing that 1st edition Superman comic book into your top drawer.

[robcoe]

Keep in mind that factory fresh is not the same as unfired. Most factory guns are fired, hence the cartridge case that comes with the gun. I do not know when this became a universal practice, so there are certainly older guns that have remained unfired, but it would be hard to prove one way or the other. Collectability remains in the eye of the collector, but in my experience, unmodified from original configuration and not refinished in any way, regardless of age, both increase value compared to an altered gun.

If I remember correctly the practice of proof fireing all or nearly all guns started sometime in the 17th or 18th century.

[westcoast362]

What new rifle are you thinking of buying as a collectible?

[Esquire]

What new rifle are you thinking of buying as a collectible?

Marlin 60 Deluxe 50th anniversary limited edition.