Too Pretty to shoot

[Eterry]

That's a very nice piece of wood, but looks like a very utilitarian barrel and lock.
Shoot it!! Take care of it, but don't pamper it.
My .02

 

[Heelerau]

A lovely piece, a few dings etc over time will add to its beauty. I hope you get the opportunity to make meat with it !!

 

[appalichian hunter]

Guns are meant to be used take it and shoot it will only add to the beauty, also the wood is what I believe is called flamed maple.

 

[ADK Bigfoot]

I have never seen a woman too pretty to kiss, nor a rifle too pretty to shoot.

ADK Bigfoot

 

[Zonie]

I've been told by many people who saw them that I shouldn't shoot the rifles I've built. Their too fancy to shoot.

To that I say, "They were built to be shot." That includes my Franklin, with over 32 inlays on it.

I have shot every single rifle that I've ever made. Of course, it was done at a shooting range and I took care to make sure they didn't get banged up.

I sold the first Pecatonica Flintlock kit rifle I ever made. It was a Lehigh with a Durs Egg flintlock on it and finished with a dark honey colored stain.
I spent over 1/2 hour explaining about the care and feeding of a flintlock to the buyer and gave him 1/2 pound of powder and 25 roundballs.
As he carried it out the door, he said, "Thanks for telling me how to shoot and clean it but it will never be shot. It's going to hang over my fireplace mantle."

That was one of the sadder days of my life.

 

[Sidney Smith]

There was a time when I used to be very OCD about my possessions. It got to the point that I wasnt enjoying those possessions. The older I got, the less concerned I became when it comes to a ding or scratch. Dont get me wrong, I am still very anal about my firearms. Its just nowdays I dont get worked up over the little stuff. Besides, I wont own anything that I dont intend to use, if even only infrequently.

 

[griffiga]

Extremely beautiful rifle Zonie!

 

[mooman76]

If they are too pretty to shoot, they might as well be a wall hanger and a wall hanger is not a gun any more.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

The only thing too pretty to shoot is my wife.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
It is somebody's rather rough interpretation of a Bess based on a Miroku repro. I would shoot the heck out of it as long as it shoots well.

dave

 

[BigSkyRambler]

I have owned two Leonard Day swivel guns that were pristine and beautiful. I never could bring myself to shoot them, but did make a profit on both that allowed me to upgrade guns I would shoot.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Nope. Things may be questionably safe, or historically rare and precious that should not be shot. But pretty? Nah. You're only going around once and hunting or shooting with a pretty item is a pleasure you deserve if you can afford it.

Look at the originals. There were some VERY pretty rifles and guns that saw a LOT of use.

A rifle is a tool that calls to be used. Be a shame to not use it as it was designed.

 

[EC121]

"Unfired" is not in my vocabulary.

 

[LawrenceA]

That is a glorious bit of kit!

 

[firestick]

Occasionally you come across something somewhat out of the ordinary. When I do, I usually pick it up. This was one of those times. I've owned it for years but I have only fired it a few times - mainly because it is so unique and pretty and I don't want to scratch or ding it. Have any of you experienced the same problem, or is it just me?View attachment 45733View attachment 45734View attachment 45735View attachment 45736View attachment 45737View attachment 45738View attachment 45739View attachment 45740

Looks like waterfall maple to me.

 

[Nessmuck56]

Shoot it like you stole it.....

 

[Josephg]

I have one rifle I've never shot, er, make that two, yet. One I just received a few weeks ago and the other is valuable. They will get shot eventually. They look better after some use.

I would call your stock quilt figured maple. And very very nice.

 

[Waarego]

Looks like tiger Maple to me???? It is pretty!!

 

[Waarego]

What was used for the final finish?

 

[Doc Ivory]

That's a gorgeous piece of wood.
I'd enjoy shooting it but just a few times to add patina.
Really nice piece you have there.