I just acquired this .22 cal revolver from a friend who bought it new in the early 1970's and has never fired it. It is in the original box with serial number matching cylinders, the red felt bag and brown wrapping paper (no manual). My questions are: Should I keep this as a collector item and not fire it? Will not firing it increase its value, especially over time?
I am new to this so any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks.
That general vintage could be an Old Model Single Six, sometimes called the three-screw because it has threw screws on the right side of the frame rather than pins. Last year of production was 1972, if memory serves. It could also be a New model with transfer bar and pins on the right side of the frame - no screws visible - because that's also the time frame the New Model was introduced.
If it is an Old Model in that condition, I would seriously think about keeping it in an unfired condition because that would be a real find for collectors. Have seen mint condition Old Models going for $600 plus and possibly much more if it has all the original papers and box. if it is a New Model, it is still collectible in that vintage, but not to the extent of an Old Model.
Ultimately, it will depend on what you want to do with it, though. Old Model or New, they are great guns to shoot and enjoy. Myself, I don't think I could resist the temptation to shoot a Single Six of any vintage, but that's because an Old Model Single Six was the first pistol I bought and I bought it 1972. Whatever you do, congrats on acquiring a great 22.
If it is an Old Model in that condition, I would seriously think about keeping it in an unfired condition because that would be a real find for collectors. Have seen mint condition Old Models going for $600 plus and possibly much more if it has all the original papers and box. if it is a New Model, it is still collectible in that vintage, but not to the extent of an Old Model. Ultimately, it will depend on what you want to do with it, though. Old Model or New, they are great guns to shoot and enjoy. Myself, I don't think I could resist the temptation to shoot a Single Six of any vintage, but that's because an Old Model Single Six was the first pistol I bought and I bought it 1972. Whatever you do, congrats on acquiring a great 22.
I gotta side with North Country Gal...it's all about what you want to do with it! If you shoot it...keep it and enjoy it for many years to come!
I have a 4" Fixed-Sight GP100...that I found out was gifted by Bill Ruger to it's original owner back in 1995! When I first obtained it (Sept. 2010) there were burn marks around only 2 of the 6 cylinder holes! I'm guessing it was a 'safe queen' that was sold from an estate or as a result of enduring tough financial times!
My question was the same...do I preserve it or shoot it! My answer came after I fired two (2) shots through the same two factory-fired cylinder holes at a distance of about 18'...and saw that the second round cut the edge out of the first round...and I had my answer: It's a shooter!
It's only had about 300 rounds through it in the 21 months that I've had it...but everytime I shoot it...I'm impressed that a fixed-sight revolver shoots a sub-4" group at 35' from a rest...and it's POA! No fudgin' on this fixed-sight revolver! I added a Tritium Night Sight from www.XSSights.com/ ...and left everything else factory! I've had seven (7) GP100's...and this is my favorite, hands down!
My first handgun was a 6.5" Stainless Single-Six...which I still have and plan to hand down to one of my boys someday! (The other will get the 4" SP101 in .22lr.) It's still a treat to shoot! I love it!
That's an easy question IMO. Your SC6 is definitely an Old Model 3 screw, one of the last. Why pull the trigger and throw $200 away?
Keep it, let it appreciate and get another for a shooter, they aren't hard to find. Or sell it now and make your profit. And still get a shooter, put the extra cash in your pocket towards your next gun.
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