To shoot, or not to shoot?

[Ron Wood]

The pistol was made to be shot a half-century ago when impressing the enemy was performed by having him make the supreme sacrifice. I agree that for a pistol that exhibits considerable wear, bang away. But in case you haven't noticed, there is a dwindling supply of these pristine old war horses available. Bust it and it is gone. Yes, it wants to be shot, but a teenager wants to drink and drive...do you knuckle under or exercise adult judgement? Sure, it was made to shoot, a long time ago, but abuse is only one half-century broken part and considerable investment away. Shoot a shooter, but preserve a collectable for the next generations. We are only caretakers of these historical pieces, they pass through our hands but once. But if you wish, go ahead and ruin it, it just makes other surviving examples that much more valuable.