Collectables - to shoot them or not to shoot them- that is the question

[RShaw]

Hi Spacecoast,
I answered "keep as a safe queen" in that survey, but then I was referring to my collectible 1917 DWM. One comment in there or somewhere else... referred to the few moving parts of a revolver versus the complex mechanism of the P08. That was a good point.... Shooting the revolver would pose less of a risk than shooting a P08 of similar age and "metal quality."

Your assortment of firearms sounds very impressive!!

I had a 45 Colt SSA (not one quite like yours though) when I lived in the US- was a wonderful gun. I also loaded my own ammo... In your circumstances I would be more prone to take out the "collectible" once in a while.. but yes, exercizing great care for sure. Even then, only on rare occasions with triple checked ammo. BUT.. had to sell the Colt when I moved here.

Also found a flintlock civil war musket in my grandfather's attic which I thoroughly enjoyed restoring... found a bayonet for it, replaced a few parts, found an authentic piece of flint for it- had a brass pan... but no way would I ifre that gun. Strictly a piece of history. Learned a lot in the process. My Dad has it now.

Have decided not to shoot my first Luger, a collectible..... but my 1918 DWM shooter will make frequent trips to the range when I can bring her home this August.