Some folks won’t shoot a commemorative or high end custom gun, and instead relegate the firearm to a life of being on display or taking up residence as a safe queen. Other folks espouse a manly “I won’t have a gun I don’t shoot” attitude. I’m a few days away from having to make that decision with the Lyman Ruger No. 1 you see in the photo above. What’s your feeling, and why?
Let us know here in the comments section and don’t waste any energy posting on Facebook. This is where the cool kids hang out and we want to know what you think.
Shoot & enjoy it – just as it’s maker intended.
All guns shoot the same. Pull the trigger and they go off. That’s a Lyman 1 of 100 and shooting it would be like spending a 1909 S VDB penny like it was intended.
Want to shoot a Lyman? Go buy a 1 of 1000 version and shoot that instead.
Good points, Chad.
choot it !
A gun — any gun— is purely for the ENJOYMENT of whoever owns it— so— whatever the owner WANTS is all that’s important. If he just wants to admire it— fine and dandy. If he wants to hunt with it—fine. It’s the owner’s choice. Me? I’m a hunter and a shooter— so this is not really my type of gun. Very beautiful though. I have a Ruger No. 1 in .338– for big game hunting.
I hear ya, brother!
I would shoot it
Shoot it, maybe not hunt with it in foul weather, etc. but use it! I have a commerative 1895 that I am going to hunt with, in spite of it being absolutely mint.
I had that same 1895 Commemorative, Nathan. Kept it a few years after buying it new; never shot it. Then I sold it. Not sure what the point of it all was.
…what, you haven’t shot it???…frankly, those who ride, drive AND shoot (not abuse) their collection/s garner way more respect overall…I like to refer to it as “stone power”…
Well said, Mike.
If you are buying it as a gun, although beautiful, shoot it. If your intention is as an investment, probably not. I would probably not shoot it, but also, it may never have investment value. Tough choice. I do have some that I have never shot and it turns out they have increased dramatically. So, I got lucky, but I have not sold them either and they could drop in price.
Ah, the nature of investing. All good inputs, Gary; thanks much.
Unfired – it’s money in the bank. I’ve got other rifles to shoot, I’d leave this one pristine.
I get it. Thanks for commenting, Guy.
A beautiful rifle hung on the wall, or locked away in a safe, is a tragedy of unfulfilled purpose. The same is true of classic cars, motorcycles and aircraft. The best way to honor the craftsmen and artists that created them is to let them fulfill their purpose.
Great spectrum of perspectives from your blog readers, Joe. I can see the point from one end to the other, but personally would align with shooting it. Carefully …
As an FFL I have a couple of customers that order commemorative firearms that I will do the transfer for. These guns show up with a lot of gold plating and engraving. They come with white gloves and you don’t touch them with your bare hands. These guns are definitely wall hangers or safe queens. The one above is not the same type of gun. I would definitely shoot the one above. I wouldn’t take it hunting where there is a chance I would damage the stock, but I would shoot it.
Shoot it. And use Rotella!
I coulda bought a used Sportster…
Why would the maker had added the necessary parts to make it shootable, if it wasn’t meant to be shot? If you want something to look at, have a portrait made of a beautiful firearm.
If it’s already been shot, go ahead and shoot it some more. I’d refrain from dragging it through the brambles though.
Shoot it and take good care of it. If it’s a well made gun it should last a lifetime and then some. The only guns that should be museum pieces are ones that are particularly historic for one reason or another.
Good inputs, Bob. Thanks for commenting.
Don’t shoot it. Don’t shoot it. Did you get this? I’ll repeat, don’t shoot it. You live in a country that blesses you with the opportunity to acquire other firearms. Shoot those. Maximise your pleasure.
I am leaning that way. Yes, I have it, and it is stunning.