turn of the century era guns...should I shoot them?

[CMEBoston]

I have some antique guns coming my way and wanted to get your opininon on using them. they are listed here,
1909 winchester model 94 30-30
1913 ithica double barell 16 ga (that I love and do want to use for upland hunting)
1901 marlin .22 model 1897 (needs work and does not eject the spent cartrige)
they all need a real good cleaning and new bluing, and I am willing to fix them up, just wanted to get the census on using them.
Thanks,
JC

 

[KMM696]

As long as the 16ga doesn't have Damascus steel barrels, I'd shoot them all. I wouldn't reblue any of them, unless they were really thrashed. I think that any bluing wear was something the gun had earned, and should be able to keep.

I'm told rebluing affects value to collectors as well - but when it comes down to it, do what makes you happy, not me!

 

[whatluck]

If you're at all unsure about the safety of these firearms you should consult a qualified gunsmith.

 

[EddieCoyle]

As long as the 16ga doesn't have Damascus steel barrels, I'd shoot them all. I wouldn't reblue any of them, unless they were really thrashed. I think that any bluing wear was something the gun had earned, and should be able to keep.

I'm told rebluing affects value to collectors as well - but when it comes down to it, do what makes you happy, not me!

This is exactly what I was going to recommend.

 

[Sprocket]

If it is Damascus then you MAY, MAYBE, Possibly be able to shoot it with REDUCED POWER loads - of course it needs to be fully inspected by a Damascus 'smith - check out DoubleGun.com and or search around UplandJournal.com for a reputable Damascus gunsmith - there are a few recommended to me that are in CT

The 16 has a special following at 16ga.com - the amount of dedicated info is pretty remarkable - very low noise/high signal ratio

Welcome to the club

 

[securityboy]

I have some antique guns coming my way and wanted to get your opininon on using them...just wanted to get the census on using them.

They are guns...you shoot them, thats what they were made for...

Still shootin the "frick" out of my Maxim, (its the oldest MG I have) Got guns older than it, still shoot them too...

 

[CMEBoston]

Thanks for the replies, the 16 ga is not damascus steel but the barrel is filthy inside. I guess i will commence on cleaning them up and enjoying them in the field and on the range.