Commemorative handguns...thoughts?

[HiredGoon]

You know, the kind that come in a nice presentation case and may have special grips, commemorative markings in several places, etc.

They look nice, but do you... would you... ever shoot them?

If they have "gold" on them, that could come off when you clean them...so, what do you think? Is it worth it just get them to show off and be pretty and never shoot?

[PaleDriver]

I don't think I would ever shoot it but could you imagine Mexican carry with this bad mama-jama

[GunDog]

I don't own any commemorative rifles or handguns but I know ppl who do and they tell me that those guns are just for show and collection. I've asked the same questions you have posted. They would never think of shooting them. Most of the rifles and handguns in those collections are for profit later. Shooting them would decrease their value. As far as the finish, I don't think shooting the gun once would mar the external finish or affect it in any way. Would it be worth it to buy a gun just for show? No but if you find a commemorative gun that is a limited run and is in pristine condition it may be worth it to buy now and sell later. Think of it like a savings bond with a little more risk involved.

[brownman]

For the most part, Lame. Now, of course theres a few exceptions.

A 100yr anniversary Colt would be neat. If you were in one of ghe service branches and got a commerative xxx, that might be cool. Like a Mk25 Sig (Navy).

Other than that, not really my bag. Now, granted, I dont (I mean didnt) have as many pistols as some of you guys. Meaning, if I had more, I might have more interest in safe queens but, at this point, I'm more after shooters than some presentation piece to hang on a wall.

JMO, and who knows, down the road, that might change.

[FAL-SHOOTER]

Most I've seen look gaudy as all hell...

I prefer to invest in rare guns that will increase in value..

There is alot more of a market for rare guns then there is commemorative ones... and you can enjoy them with low power loads..JMO

[thundrr1]

I picked up a Colt WWI Commemorative a while ago. It was a cheap way to get an all steel Colt. Yes, I shoot it. Yes, it is truly an M1911, not an M1911 A1. I put real ivory grips on it and it sure looks purrty.

[CHEMICAL]

I really want a 50th anniversary HK USP Compact with the coin and high polish bluing and yes not only would I shoot it but I'd carry it too.

[RXM]

Personally, I find more value in a historic piece that survived through combat than a BNIB commemorative gun. What's a better story to tell to your grandchildren - a 1911 that was carried through WWII and was probably used to kill some Nazis or a 100 yr commemorative 1911 that went from factory into a acrylic case. But that's JMHO.

[brsims]

I buy based on use. If I can't use it, why should I spend money on it? It has no value to me personally sitting under glass or in a safe. I'll stick with my current ongoing plans to purchase weapons that can actually serve as weapons.

[Hokkmike]

If they are meaningful to the buyer then by all means.

I just do not have the resources to spend a lot of money on a gun, and they are usually expensive, that I cannot shoot.

But they are a great idea for those that want and can afford them.