Shooting the nice ones?

[levallois]

I've got a nice Rockola 4.6 mil and wonder if I should shoot it or not? It's just been sitting there in the safe looking at me. This is a high wood that seems to have all the correct parts and stock for the early-1944 manufacture date. As luck would have it the only alternative is an early original Inland M1A1 ser. 336xxx that I'm not sure I should shoot or not either. No arsenal rebuild marks on either one. I guess I could buy a shooter but I've got two perfectly functional carbines right here. What's the current view about shooting these older, complete carbines? Too valuable to shoot-buy a shooter or, geez just shoot the things and stop whining? I'd probably only shoot them once every couple of months or so.

Some not very good photos -

Thanks!

John

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[Tired Retired]

Its like old cars... some are so rare that you would never dream of driving them on a public road because of some idiot (with no insurance and a suspended license) hitting you from behind... but there are old cars that you just HAVE to drive. I genuine 1929 Model T is pulled by a trailer... a 1968 Camero is pulling the trailer!

If you haven't identified them as uniquely rare or collectable, then do what they were made to do - SHOOT 'EM!!!!

Just my two cents worth...

[imarangemaster]

I haad an 1881 made 1873 Winchester in .38 WCF (38-40). I loaded black powder rounds and shot it every chance I got. I agree totally with tired. If it was a pristine, unfired IP, well maybe not. These weapons were made to stand up to WARS. Plinking with them occasionally with Remington or WCC ball (which is loaded down from Wartime LC) won't hurt them.

PS My CMP Inland is doing service as my house/farm weapon now, 67 years after it was made!

[frankderrico]

I agree, like Jim said they have been shot before. I take my '64 Ford pick up out when the sun shines. I also enjoy a cruise with my son Jake's '74 Z28 on nice day's. I beleive everything needs a workout to stay in shape, carbines included....Frank

[rondog]

Is GUN, is meant for SHOOT!

[JBS]

Read my sig. Enjoy the rifle doing what it was made to do.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I don't think you should shoot them. I think you should sell them, to me.

[DaveHH]

I've owned it since 1969 and have just used it; shot it took it camping etc. I worry that it will break an extractor or something and then it won't be original. It matter a great deal to me and it is a very valuable carbine as is. So I bought a SG NPM as a shooter and I'm glad I did. It is a nice carbine, and actually shoots better because of the type 3 barrel band as opposed to the type 2 on the Win. I don't care if the NPM breaks something and I always reload below max for any rounds to preserve them both. I am included in the own it and shoot it bunch, but when a $18 extractor can drop an $1800 carbine down to a $1000 carbine, I just think it is prudent when other alternatives exist.

[Halfcell]

John <> Shoot um and enjoy them.....Had my 28 mod A. out Sunday afternoon, yep it broke, had gas dripping on my wife's foot before we got back home, old gas line cracked but what do you expect when they are that old. I am waiting on some cast lead 190 grn to load for my 03A3 then to the range I go. Still have to fix the gas line in the 28 mod A.

[mpd1978]

There is no shortage of M1 carbines that i wouldnt be afraid to shoot, buy a shooter grade rebuild and preserve the nice ones for show and tell. The collectable early guns with highwood stocks and fllip sights are rare birds. Im sure you would be sick if you break the highwood section of that Rockola. It seems like i see a lot of M1a1 with cracked stocks back by the recoil plate, i would buy a repro to shoot if i were you. Oh, and I would love to see some close-up pics of those two beautys!!