Collecting vs shooting

Edward Tinker · 02-27-2017, 05:06 PM

Do you shoot your collectibles?

Do you never shoot?

CAP Black · 02-27-2017, 08:28 PM

I don't shoot my collectibles. I do shoot a Luger that I think is the least valuable. It is a 36 that was sold to me as having blood on it. I have read several comments about blood on pistols and to my untrained eyes the patterns fit blood patterns as opposed to water. Also the substance wiped tight off and was left no rusty spot. That pistol may be more valuable than I think but I treat it as a shooter; because I don't have a shooter - except for an old war horse artillery that looks pretty bad. But still shoots extremely well.
Jack

Brien · 02-27-2017, 11:55 PM

I would never shoot a collectable.
My shooting varies, some years quite frequently others only a few times.
If I could afford to buy collectors I would happily own at least a couple. I'd buy duplicate models to shoot though. As it stands I will just be collecting well refinished shooters in different configurations whenever possible.

RShaw · 02-28-2017, 03:30 AM

Hi all,
I am fairly new here, and have carefully examined this question, here's the thread: http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=36411

I decided not to shoot a "collectible" (defined as a numbers matching gun, good original finish, i.e., a gun attractive to a collector-- i.e. If I broke a SN'd part, I would kick myself for having taken the chance)

I have 1 collectible, and 1 shooter. As time goes on, the number of collectibles can only decrease, while the number of shooters will stay constant, or more slowly decrease. Once a true collectible is gone... it's gone. I'm taking my time saving some $... and then looking for other collectibles, and maybe a special shooter... No hurry

In the meantime, I'm out at the range with my P38 shooter (have to wait until August to try my 1918 DWM shooter) or I'm reading my books and participating in my forums.

wayne8661 · 02-28-2017, 08:14 AM

I couldnt live with myself if I broke a numbered piece on a pistol that survived 100+ years.
I definately wont shoot my collectible Lugers. I have one 36 S/42 that was returned to me
after being stolen. It is an old refinish and very well done. I will never part with this gun and this is
the one I shoot when I have the urge.

RShaw · 02-28-2017, 08:45 AM

Well said Wayne.
Must be an interesting story, your stolen 1936 Mauser... I can imagine you are very happy to have it back! The temptation to shoot my collectible is not so hard to resist, after reading and learning more about the history of these guns. I wouldn't part with it either.

spacecoast · 02-28-2017, 08:56 AM

I will (and do) shoot old/matching/collectible firearms to a limited degree when I have a high level of confidence that something isn't going to break due to the design and reputation of the gun (limited moving parts, strongly built, not known to break). I also handload my rounds for these and most of my other centerfire firearms so I know exactly what I'm shooting.

Examples:

1864 Remington New Model Army
1900 Colt Bisley
1913 Colt Vest Pocket .25
1917 Colt Single Action Army
1918 Colt Model 1917
1922 Colt Hammerless .380
1922 Colt Army Special

I also have newer collectibles that I shoot on a regular basis - Colt Python, S&W Model 28, Colt Officers Model Match and Hi-Standard Supermatic Trophy among them.

Notice there aren't any Lugers on the list - for those I use mismatched or refinished "shooters" that wouldn't break my heart in the event a part broke.

cirelaw · 02-28-2017, 10:27 AM

I have 19 virgins, one shooter and 2 boxes of 9mm Winchester White Box's. Eric

RShaw · 02-28-2017, 10:32 AM

Good point, I should add the restriction that my comments on collectibles certainly apply to Luger P08's, and other similar weapons which are complex and incur a higher risk of parts breakage. I had a Colt SAA which would now be a collectible- but which I thoroughly enjoyed shooting- with, as you say as well, my own reloads. (Sadly- I had to sell that gun, and a pre-'64 Winchester Model 94 lever action 30-30 when I moved here.)

RShaw · 02-28-2017, 10:34 AM

Hi Eric, yes I remember your pics.... beautiful collection

Edward Tinker · 02-28-2017, 11:17 AM

I would say, that no matter what, the collectible models will slowly decrease due to damage (fire, people shooting, other events), while the shootable ones would also decrease via damage, I see them increasing faster due to the damage to collectibles.

cirelaw · 02-28-2017, 03:05 PM

Cash has a shelf life of ten minutes!! Lugers lasts several generations and much harder to lose!

Major Tom · 03-09-2017, 05:36 PM

I buy guns to shoot! Therefore I will not buy a collectable gun!

Michael Zeleny · 03-09-2017, 09:22 PM

All my guns are factory original, except for bolt-on parts such as grips, sight mounts, etc. All get shot except for the few that remain unfired ex-factory. I deal with occasional parts breakages as best I can. At least all Luger parts are available for purchase. Don’t get me started on replacing parts in handmade pistols such as Korriphila HSP701.

Mac Cat · 03-09-2017, 09:55 PM

nothing is more fun than whipping out a 1917 artillery and drilling a target from 50 feet. That's why I bought the arty and love it.

gunbugs · 03-09-2017, 10:28 PM

As I have mentioned before, I shoot my "collectible" guns, but I take precautions. I remove the commonly broken numbered parts, extractor, firing pin, perhaps the holdopen, and replace them with non-matching spares BEFORE I shoot. Then, barring any catastrophic failure, I put the matching originals back in the gun when I get home and clean it. Folks have mentioned cracked frames, broken breech blocks and such, but I am willing to risk those, as I think those are rare occurances. Plus, my intuition tells me that the guns that suffer major failure were abused at some point, such as firing British machine gun ammo, or bad "hot" handloads or some other tom-foolery. But, that being said, I like to shoot old guns, and don't care if that offends a "collector". I have 40,000 dollar guns that go to the range, and I rather enjoy shooting them. It is why I buy them. If I want wall hangers, I can get those cheap. If others want to buy guns and NOT shoot them, thats OK too.

K.Wilhelm · 03-10-2017, 08:44 AM

I have a couple of shooter Lugers, a byf 41 and a Commercial Navy. But I also usually shoot my collectors only one time after I buy them. That is a very rich and satisfying experience for me.

RShaw · 03-10-2017, 12:27 PM

Yeesss..... would be unique for sure! Part if me is very tempted sometimes
Bit after seeing that U-tube account of a collector Erfurt
losing the slide on the 3rd round....
I think I would be really nervous. But that's just me

DonVoigt · 03-10-2017, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RShaw

Yeesss..... would be unique for sure! Part if me is very tempted sometimes
Bit after seeing that U-tube account of a collector Erfurt
losing the slide on the 3rd round....
I think I would be really nervous. But that's just me

Losing a "slide" on a luger would be really amazing- since it does not have one.

Any pistol can "break"; a luger is no more nor no less prone to break than any other.

What would you be nervous about? Shooting, breaking, or losing money?

DonVoigt · 03-10-2017, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Tom

I buy guns to shoot! Therefore I will not buy a collectable gun!

When you buy a pistol to shoot, are you not "collecting" them for shooting ?

A"collectible" gun has no firm definition; lots of people collect what others would consider "junk".

There are probably as many definitions of "collectible" as there are collectors, JMHO.

View Poll Results: Collectible or shooters?
I ONLY buy shooter Lugers	4	6.78%
I ONLY buy Collectible Lugers	10	16.95%
I buy shooter and collectibles - but concentrate on shooters	6	10.17%
I buy shooter and collectibles - but concentrate on Collectors	16	27.12%
I buy whatever fancies me	11	18.64%
I have both, but never go shooting	1	1.69%
I have both, but shoot maybe a couple of times a year (both types)	5	8.47%
I have both, but shoot only shooters	15	25.42%
I have more than 3 shooters and more than 5 collectors	13	22.03%
I have 1 shooter and multiple collectors	8	13.56%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 59. You may not vote on this poll

02-27-2017, 05:06 PM	#1
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	Collecting vs shooting Do you shoot your collectibles? Do you never shoot? __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

02-27-2017, 11:55 PM	#3
Brien User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Choctaw ok Posts: 53 Thanks: 17 Thanked 8 Times in 3 Posts	C vs S I would never shoot a collectable. My shooting varies, some years quite frequently others only a few times. If I could afford to buy collectors I would happily own at least a couple. I'd buy duplicate models to shoot though. As it stands I will just be collecting well refinished shooters in different configurations whenever possible.

02-28-2017, 08:56 AM	#7
spacecoast User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: FL and PA Posts: 332 Thanks: 276 Thanked 243 Times in 109 Posts	I will (and do) shoot old/matching/collectible firearms to a limited degree when I have a high level of confidence that something isn't going to break due to the design and reputation of the gun (limited moving parts, strongly built, not known to break). I also handload my rounds for these and most of my other centerfire firearms so I know exactly what I'm shooting. Examples: 1864 Remington New Model Army 1900 Colt Bisley 1913 Colt Vest Pocket .25 1917 Colt Single Action Army 1918 Colt Model 1917 1922 Colt Hammerless .380 1922 Colt Army Special I also have newer collectibles that I shoot on a regular basis - Colt Python, S&W Model 28, Colt Officers Model Match and Hi-Standard Supermatic Trophy among them. Notice there aren't any Lugers on the list - for those I use mismatched or refinished "shooters" that wouldn't break my heart in the event a part broke. __________________ My avatars are the Bulgarian word for "Fire", as seen on my 1900, 1906 and 1908 Bulgarian Contract DWM Lugers. Looking for a DWM Commercial side plate #95

03-09-2017, 05:36 PM	#13
Major Tom User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: S.E. Iowa Posts: 484 Thanks: 533 Thanked 228 Times in 125 Posts	I buy guns to shoot! Therefore I will not buy a collectable gun! __________________ I Build Custom Pistol Boxes

02-27-2017, 08:28 PM	#2
CAP Black User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Fairmont, WV Right here in Mountaineer country and God's country Posts: 767 Thanks: 100 Thanked 174 Times in 96 Posts	I don't shoot my collectibles. I do shoot a Luger that I think is the least valuable. It is a 36 that was sold to me as having blood on it. I have read several comments about blood on pistols and to my untrained eyes the patterns fit blood patterns as opposed to water. Also the substance wiped tight off and was left no rusty spot. That pistol may be more valuable than I think but I treat it as a shooter; because I don't have a shooter - except for an old war horse artillery that looks pretty bad. But still shoots extremely well. Jack

02-28-2017, 03:30 AM	#4
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Hi all, I am fairly new here, and have carefully examined this question, here's the thread: http://forum.lugerforum.com/showthread.php?t=36411 I decided not to shoot a "collectible" (defined as a numbers matching gun, good original finish, i.e., a gun attractive to a collector-- i.e. If I broke a SN'd part, I would kick myself for having taken the chance) I have 1 collectible, and 1 shooter. As time goes on, the number of collectibles can only decrease, while the number of shooters will stay constant, or more slowly decrease. Once a true collectible is gone... it's gone. I'm taking my time saving some $... and then looking for other collectibles, and maybe a special shooter... No hurry In the meantime, I'm out at the range with my P38 shooter (have to wait until August to try my 1918 DWM shooter) or I'm reading my books and participating in my forums.

02-28-2017, 08:14 AM	#5
wayne8661 User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kennett Square Pennsylvania Posts: 591 Thanks: 15 Thanked 334 Times in 104 Posts	I couldnt live with myself if I broke a numbered piece on a pistol that survived 100+ years. I definately wont shoot my collectible Lugers. I have one 36 S/42 that was returned to me after being stolen. It is an old refinish and very well done. I will never part with this gun and this is the one I shoot when I have the urge.

02-28-2017, 08:45 AM	#6
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Well said Wayne. Must be an interesting story, your stolen 1936 Mauser... I can imagine you are very happy to have it back! The temptation to shoot my collectible is not so hard to resist, after reading and learning more about the history of these guns. I wouldn't part with it either.

02-28-2017, 10:27 AM	#8
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,138 Times in 2,176 Posts	I have 19 virgins, one shooter and 2 boxes of 9mm Winchester White Box's. Eric

02-28-2017, 10:32 AM	#9
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Good point, I should add the restriction that my comments on collectibles certainly apply to Luger P08's, and other similar weapons which are complex and incur a higher risk of parts breakage. I had a Colt SAA which would now be a collectible- but which I thoroughly enjoyed shooting- with, as you say as well, my own reloads. (Sadly- I had to sell that gun, and a pre-'64 Winchester Model 94 lever action 30-30 when I moved here.)

02-28-2017, 10:34 AM	#10
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Hi Eric, yes I remember your pics.... beautiful collection

02-28-2017, 11:17 AM	#11
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	I would say, that no matter what, the collectible models will slowly decrease due to damage (fire, people shooting, other events), while the shootable ones would also decrease via damage, I see them increasing faster due to the damage to collectibles.

02-28-2017, 03:05 PM	#12
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,138 Times in 2,176 Posts	Cash has a shelf life of ten minutes!! Lugers lasts several generations and much harder to lose!

03-09-2017, 09:22 PM	#14
Michael Zeleny Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 525 Thanks: 129 Thanked 139 Times in 76 Posts	All my guns are factory original, except for bolt-on parts such as grips, sight mounts, etc. All get shot except for the few that remain unfired ex-factory. I deal with occasional parts breakages as best I can. At least all Luger parts are available for purchase. Don’t get me started on replacing parts in handmade pistols such as Korriphila HSP701. __________________ Michael Zeleny@post.harvard.edu -- http://larvatus.livejournal.com/ -- 7576 Willow Glen Road, Los Angeles, CA 90046 -- 323.363.1860 All of old. Nothing else ever. Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett

03-09-2017, 09:55 PM	#15
Mac Cat Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 751 Thanks: 2,157 Thanked 630 Times in 340 Posts	nothing is more fun than whipping out a 1917 artillery and drilling a target from 50 feet. That's why I bought the arty and love it.

03-09-2017, 10:28 PM	#16
gunbugs Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska. Home of the best moose. Posts: 672 Thanks: 371 Thanked 1,202 Times in 407 Posts	As I have mentioned before, I shoot my "collectible" guns, but I take precautions. I remove the commonly broken numbered parts, extractor, firing pin, perhaps the holdopen, and replace them with non-matching spares BEFORE I shoot. Then, barring any catastrophic failure, I put the matching originals back in the gun when I get home and clean it. Folks have mentioned cracked frames, broken breech blocks and such, but I am willing to risk those, as I think those are rare occurances. Plus, my intuition tells me that the guns that suffer major failure were abused at some point, such as firing British machine gun ammo, or bad "hot" handloads or some other tom-foolery. But, that being said, I like to shoot old guns, and don't care if that offends a "collector". I have 40,000 dollar guns that go to the range, and I rather enjoy shooting them. It is why I buy them. If I want wall hangers, I can get those cheap. If others want to buy guns and NOT shoot them, thats OK too.

03-10-2017, 08:44 AM	#17
K.Wilhelm User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Central Colorado Posts: 215 Thanks: 45 Thanked 109 Times in 66 Posts	I have a couple of shooter Lugers, a byf 41 and a Commercial Navy. But I also usually shoot my collectors only one time after I buy them. That is a very rich and satisfying experience for me. __________________ NRA Endowment Life member Proud veteran of the Naval Security Group

03-10-2017, 12:27 PM	#18
RShaw User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Venlo, the Netherlands Posts: 350 Thanks: 160 Thanked 170 Times in 90 Posts	Yeesss..... would be unique for sure! Part if me is very tempted sometimes Bit after seeing that U-tube account of a collector Erfurt losing the slide on the 3rd round.... I think I would be really nervous. But that's just me