At one time the rifle was absolutely brand new, and more than likely it was a NRA/DCM sale rifle and in as new condition when sold. At the time they were sold they were not collectible and the owner shot it just like any rifle he would have bought at a store. Today it is highly collectible, and the better the condition the more collectible it is. Making it a shooter will put more wear on it, so no need to continue the process of of putting needless wear on it.

There are any number of things that have value today way beyond what they were originally made for. Silver coins were made to spend, but does anyone still spend silver coins?