To Shoot or Not To Shoot, That Is The Question

[Johnnie]

I know that this subject has been covered to some extent in other threads, but I am curious to know how many fellow collectors actually launch bullets out of their collectible firearms, or just display them. I think it has a lot to do with how you see your collection. As for myself, I shoot ALL of my firearms at least once or twice, and a few are actually brought to the range frequently. As a matter of fact, I will not own a firearm that will not funtion as issued.
But I guess the point I am getting at is the type of collectors we are. For example, some guys will only collect near mint, matching rigs, and would pale at the thought of "risking" their prized possesions shooting them.
Others, like myself, do not seem to be as concerned by all matching numbers, as long as the firearm is complete with original parts, and in good shape, I'm happy. Most of my 26 guns are "shooters" From my point of view, many, if not most WW2 small arms(not limited to German) were repaired or rebuilt at least once. So as long as it is a correct piece, I'm happy. (I also get cheaper guns, LOL)
But I shoot my matched guns too. One example, I have a Japanese Type99, early, guaranteed vet bring back(bought it in 69 from the vet. Knew him), 99% blue, few dings in stock, all matching including dust cover, and with cleaning rod, and original sling (marked with writing) and monopod. I shoot it every couple years.
So guys, are you a "shooter" or a "wall hanger" or a combination of both? Probably should have made this a poll.
Tschuss,
Johnnie

[Perry Floyd]

I've had several Third Reich firearms but have only kept one, but didnt shoot any of them. My feelings are if it's all matched and unaltered since the war I wouldnt think of shooting it. If it was mismatched or was fiddled with and not right I would shoot it..

[Steve in Florida]

Haven't shot my P-38 and probably won't. It's minty, matching, and a collector piece (for me). I shoot my MP-40. Got a spare bolt/ recoil spring/ firing pin assembly to do it with so I don't risk damage to an original part. I use the finest ammo (nothing corrosive). It's a blast to shoot. It's matching, but the finish is 85%. I figure a couple hundred rounds a year won't hurt it. My MP-44 is minty and matching, but as soon as I have a decent supply of non corrosive ammo aside, it'll be time to mow down the Red hordes (water jugs or watermelons). I do the same with my WWII US guns. I keep 'em clean and oiled, feed 'em the right ammo, and have plenty original spares to keep them going. I can understand people not shooting them, but I gotta get a little more pleasure out of them. If I had an FG42, I would have to think long and hard about shooting it. Full power 8mm ammo, in a gun that although a neat design, was not fully wrung out and had a lot of parts failures. I'd be sick if I cracked a bolt, or knocked the shell deflector off of it. I had an unfired AR10 made in 1960. I never fired it the entire time I owned it. Couldn't bring myself to do it. If I broke a part, they are a biyotch to replace. I did not get the same pleasure out of owning that AR10 that I get out of guns I can shoot. But that's just me.

[Willi Z.]

I have both shooting grade and collector grade. The only matched rifle I shoot is a K43 that has had it's stock replaced with a repro (so, not really a totally matched rifle) and has a fake mount with a real zf4. Even with Brit snipers, I keep the mint matched ones locked away, and shoot one that is not completely matched in regards to wood and scope.

Willi

[tankdriver]

I have both shooting grade and collector grade. The only matched rifle I shoot is a K43 that has had it's stock replaced with a repro (so, not really a totally matched rifle) and has a fake mount with a real zf4. Even with Brit snipers, I keep the mint matched ones locked away, and shoot one that is not completely matched in regards to wood and scope.

Willi

Well here goes....

If you have a matching gun, no matter what ( I had a dealer tell me one time that he took them old German guns and made real huntten guns out of them) do not shoot them. If a firing pin or any other parts break, not only have you lowered the value, but but have destroyed a little bit of history that can not be replaced. Most every model gun out there now has mis-matched imports that can be gotten cheaply. Use these to shoot with. 2 examples....

A friend on mine a X dealer in Memphis told me he would not own a gun he could not shoot. He had a #4 Mk1 T sniper. Shooting it one weekend all of a sudden the point of impack starting shifting around. He had almost destroyed the scope.

A buddy in Vicksbrug MS had a K43. I got on to him about shooting it. He replied that He only shot a couple og mags a month. On the 18th round a lens cracked top to bottom.

I collect snipers so these stick in my mind, however, other parts break or there would be no Sarco, Gun Parts inc, Springfield Sports, (yes they are back) etc...

Would you take a 1945 car not rebuild anything or replace any parts, then race it?

[Johnnie]

No, I wouldn't race it, but I would drive it around the block on occassion. You DO make a good point about period optics.
Johnnie

Well here goes....

If you have a matching gun, no matter what ( I had a dealer tell me one time that he took them old German guns and made real huntten guns out of them) do not shoot them. If a firing pin or any other parts break, not only have you lowered the value, but but have destroyed a little bit of history that can not be replaced. Most every model gun out there now has mis-matched imports that can be gotten cheaply. Use these to shoot with. 2 examples....

A friend on mine a X dealer in Memphis told me he would not own a gun he could not shoot. He had a #4 Mk1 T sniper. Shooting it one weekend all of a sudden the point of impack starting shifting around. He had almost destroyed the scope.

A buddy in Vicksbrug MS had a K43. I got on to him about shooting it. He replied that He only shot a couple og mags a month. On the 18th round a lens cracked top to bottom.

I collect snipers so these stick in my mind, however, other parts break or there would be no Sarco, Gun Parts inc, Springfield Sports, (yes they are back) etc...

Would you take a 1945 car not rebuild anything or replace any parts, then race it?

[Douglas Jr.]

Imho

Well folks,

As I said once before, it´s a personal decision. I never shoot one of my collectable guns. And I won´t. Here I go with tankdriver: they are not strictly guns anymore, but they have become a genuine part of History. If you damage it it won´t have it back, no matter how good is your replacement. It´s not original anymore.

So you may ask: but, Doug, why to have a gun just to display it? Good point, but I have the answer.

MY answer is: because I kept them as historical pieces. MY pleasure arises everytime that I watch some documentary on History Channel, or read a pictorial book, and the soldiers appear using the same kind of guns that I have. That´s it. I own a thing that WAS THERE. It really thrills me.

Another example? Try to remember the reaction of a common guy, who always saw Lugers, P38, Thompsons and so on, only on the "Saving Private ryan", Band of Brothers" and such, when you showed your gun. Their reaction also makes my day, they just look like thiseek: . When I do this I gave the oportunity to someone to hold a real part of WWI or WWII. Their satisfied look is a good feeling.

It´s enough for me. Remember that in 10 or 20 years from now most or all veterans will have passed away, but the guns will still be here. They are a kind of witness, and I respect them like this. They are our real "Time Tunnel", just like a Knight´s Cross or any German Medal.

At last, but not the least, this decision also depends on other things, like how easy is for you to get out and find a WWI or WWI gun and your wallet. To guys like and most who don´t live in US, to get a Luger, P38 or a Colt is a tough mission.

There aren´t gun shows or historical weapons dealers, and we find our pieces through networking and a loooooot of luck (Matt know what I´m meaning... ). Not to mention guys like our boardmates Merdock and Stevezz, who live in UK, where the law (and the guns available) are much more harder. For guys like us, to fire a collectble gun is an unacceptable liability.

Best to all,

Douglas.

[Erich B.]

Firing collectibles

I generally don't fire minty or rare firearms, but did take my mint 1936 S/42 Luger out one time and fired 2 clips through it. I had it for 15-20 years, and one day decided that, because no one lives forever, I should give myself the pleasure of firing it at least one time.
It was great, and the pistol is still in perfect condition.
Erich

[Britch]

I usually test fire to make sure they are in full operating condition, unless they are 95% + and all matching, then it is not worth the risk. I do shoot my US ww2 guns because parts are so easy to get.
Brian

[Matt Weber]

I agree with Willi here. I have both "collector" grade guns, and "shooter" grade guns. I have still not fired that "K" series Radom, and never will! I also never shoot my G33/40, or my K43 sniper. (ok, I did shoot it once, but that was it!)

I got a MM made up K98 sniper now to shoot.
The only exception is the P38. I have one all matching P38 vet bring back that I still shoot. Two reasons; 1. It is my most accurate pistol, and 2. It has seen heavy use in combat, so finish is probably only 70% and slide does have some pitting on it.
It is a direct vet purchase, and was taken off a German NCO who surrendered to him in April 1945. The pistol is an "AC43" stack, and has plenty of use. Boy I wish that gun could talk!

I do agree that if you really want to shoot often, you should get a MM/import gun to shoot. Import marked P38s, K98s, and Lugers are easy to find.
MM K43s, G33/40s, and K98s are also pretty easy to find as well.
Also, SOG now has import marked Sauer 38s, and Walther PPs as well! Great for shooting!
Matt

[C.O.Sargent]

Shooting WII Firearms

I have six german firearms none are collector grade but all are in nice shape and fully functional, one of the reason I bought them was to be able to fire them.
When I was a kid I saw all the old war movies and always wondered what it would be like to fire thoes weapons, now I can and I laught when I see certian weapons that I have used being portraid in a certian light ethier positve or not.
My friends and I start screeming at the tv complaining that hollywood are not portraining I the correct way.
I sometimes wish I did not know what I know who ever said ignorance is bliss was right when it comes to theses weapons.

[Britch]

My brother in law received a danish M1 garand from the cmp a few months back and wanted to try it out. I brought the one I put back together( which shot great matching 10/43 barrel/reciever which I put in a tiger stripe DAS cartouched stock). He fired the first round in his rifle and the trigger group fell right out!! Used the bolt to eject the rest of the clip and put it back together. After checking the latch, tried one more time... the same thing! We slapped his action in my stock and it worked fine, so I told him the email the cmp and tell them. The danes cut out a little extra room around the trigger group latch so the stamped triggerguard unhooks after every shot. He looked so bummed out!! I also think a milled triggerguard would fix the problem, but the stock is no beauty either. Always be careful when shooting old guns!!
Brian

[Chris_Werner]

I own military pistols from flintlock to WWII era. I generally will run a box or two through the WWI and later guns. Won't shoot the flints or percussion. One of my best shooters is a PO8 with a 1917 chamber date, all matching, which was reissued in WWII. I shoot it as a special treat, but wouldn't think of treating it like my Kimber 45, which I shoot on a regular basis, with +P loads on occasion.
I have a S&W Hand ejector in 45 Colt, with British proofmarks WWI, which I also shoot on occasion. I use the Cowboy Action loads (soft) to take it easy on the frame. It's a great shooter, and prints really well with a smooth trigger pull.
I believe that these old firearms should be treated with care and respect, but I want them to be fully functioning and able to take a trip to my pasture when the feeling moves me.
I agree that something minty and rare is another story.
But to me, not shooting them would be like owning a 66 Corvette, and never driving it.