{"id":221247,"date":"2026-05-05T22:34:57","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T22:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/221247\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T22:34:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T22:34:57","slug":"take-a-safe-queen-to-the-range","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/221247\/","title":{"rendered":"Take a Safe Queen to the Range"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve probably heard the term \u201csafe queen,\u201d but for those who aren\u2019t quite sure what it means, simply put, it refers to a firearm so pristine, valuable, historically significant or emotionally important to its owner, it seems unthinkable to shoot it. Thus, these cherished gems end up being permanently sequestered away in gun safes or comparably secure environments, never to see the light of day, or at best, to be reverently taken out on occasion and briefly admired before being carefully put back into the fortified safety of their sheltered environment.<\/p>\n

I think I can safely say that, in most cases, this was not the intent of such firearms by their manufacturers, or even by their original owners. I seriously doubt that the American Northwestern hunter of the early 1900s thought that his 14-inch-barreled Winchester Model 92 would someday become a coveted collectable, too valuable to shoot. No, he simply special-ordered his Winchester Trapper because he wanted a fast-shooting, easy-to-carry lever-action that was just a tad more compact and lightweight than the standard 20-inch-barreled carbine. Likewise, that 1955 first-year-production Colt Python workhorse may have long ago been put into retirement once the owner realized its value had increased dramatically.<\/p>\n

Thus, coveted firearms become safe queens, tucked away into the shadows of obscurity, which not only does an injustice to the design and craftsmanship of the guns themselves (which are no longer allowed to demonstrate the very attributes that made them so valuable in the first place), but just as importantly, deprives their owners from the additional enjoyment they could have\u2014over and above the obvious pride of possession\u2014of pulling the trigger, hearing the shot, feeling the recoil, smelling the smoke and seeing where the bullet hit.<\/p>\n

Shooting these guns allows their owners to reap the full potential of their cherished firearms, and\u2014in the case of vintage guns especially\u2014of experiencing what the original owners must have felt when firing that very same gun, which is as close to time travel as we\u2019re likely to get. Without shooting it, how would I have known that my original 1860 Army shoots high and to the left (unlike many of today\u2019s replicas of the same gun, which do not feature the progressive rifling and chamfered chamberings of the originals)?<\/p>\n

Yes, I\u2019m talking about actually shooting those collectables. As I typed that last sentence, I could almost hear shouts of \u201cBlasphemy! Heresy!\u201d or worse. But, I\u2019m not talking about shooting a mint, in-the-box collectable firearm, for putting even a single bullet down a pristine bore would instantly and dramatically decrease its value. Nor am I referring to a vintage gun in which there are potential safety issues. Rather, I am talking about an otherwise-sequestered safe queen that is in mechanically sound shooting condition, but for one reason or another has not been brought out \u201cto strut its stuff\u201d and permitted to show what it can do, whether at the range or in the field. Thus, it becomes an opportunity lost, but one that is easily redeemed, and almost always with gratifying results.<\/p>\n

For example, for an invitational Double Action Only 250 Self Defense Pistol course at Gunsite Academy<\/a> a few years ago, I was mulling over which of my double-action revolvers to subject to this grueling course, during which I would be putting approximately 500 rounds through my gun over the week-long session. Looking at the handguns in my safe, my gaze fell upon an S&W-logo-stamped presentation case that I knew held a factory machine-engraved Smith & Wesson Model 29 with a 4-inch barrel I had purchased as an investment when it first came out in 2007. At the time, the gun was a limited edition (it has since been reintroduced as part of Smith & Wesson\u2019s Classic Line). In addition to the Model 29\u2019s decorative machine engraving and distinctively checkered stocks, I had the company\u2019s Performance Center enhance the gun further by giving it an action job. I then dutifully oiled it, placed it in its case and tucked it away in my safe, and there it had remained for years.<\/p>\n

\"Browning<\/p>\n


\n
\n Although the author had his Browning B-92 lever-action in .44 Mag. factory-engraved with his name and further customized by a gunsmith who shortened the barrel to 16 inches and created a lever patterned after John Wayne\u2019s in the movie, \u201cStagecoach,\u201d he still carries it afield, rather than leaving it in his safe. Likewise, he continues to use his highly collectible Randall No. 4 Big Game and Skinner \u2022 The author had his stock Ruger Super Blackhawk customized by gunsmith Bill Oglesby, who performed 38 different upgrades, including a complete action job, case-hardening the cylinder bushing, new front and rear sights, and crowning the muzzle. Rather than simply keeping this highly customized Ruger in a safe, he also shoots it. Photos: Rick Hacker
\n \n <\/p>\n

I picked up the Smith and cycled the butter-smooth action a few times. That\u2019s when I realized: this is the gun I should be taking to Gunsite. Not only will it physically hold up to the rigors of range time, but also it will definitely stand out amongst the other revolvers being brought to the course. Plus, when loaded with .44 Spl. instead of wrist-pounding .44 Mag., the hefty revolver with its easy-to-see sights might even improve my shooting\u2014and it did. Plus, as anticipated, it garnered a fair share of oohs and aahs from my fellow shooters.<\/p>\n

During that same shooting experience, however, we were all equally impressed with another collectible that came to the firing line: Bobby Tyler of Tyler Gun Works in Friona, Texas, had brought his authentic Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum.<\/p>\n

\u201cI decided to run the course at Gunsite Academy<\/a> with a Registered Magnum because it\u2019s one of the most remarkable revolvers ever built,\u201d said Tyler. \u201cCrafted in the 1930s, these firearms were tuned to perfection at a time when craftsmanship was prioritized over cost. Using such a historically significant and finely made revolver elevated the entire experience. Running the course with that level of precision and elegance made it truly unforgettable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed, taking a safe queen shooting adds another level of memories to the experience, sometimes over and above the cost of the gun. For example, one of my prized hunting rifles is a Griffin & Howe 1903 Springfield that, according to the company\u2019s re-stamped No. 110 serial number, was built sometime during the early 1930s. Typical of Griffin and Howe\u2019s sporterized bolt actions from that pre-Winchester Model 70 period, it had not only been rebuilt from a war-surplus Springfield action, but also had been given rust-blue furniture, a jeweled bolt and stocked in finely figured, hand-rubbed French Circassian walnut embellished with 22 lpi hand-checkering and a buffalo horn tip, then fitted with a Hawkins recoil pad and topped with a gold-accented, three-leaf express sight. Another intriguing aspect of this rifle was the original owner\u2019s gold-filled \u201cCSC \u201cinitials engraved on the floorplate. I\u2019ve often wondered who that person was, for when I purchased this rifle, it was sporting a vintage Lyman 2X Alaskan scope and had already gone through multiple owners. Thus, its original history was lost.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, Griffin & Howe rifles were built to be used, so, shortly after acquiring this elegant example of early 20th-century American gunsmithing, I took it on a sheep hunt on the Carrizo Plain of central California. It is impossible to hunt with a rifle like this and not be aware that you are carrying something special. When the time came, the Griffin & Howe shouldered perfectly, balanced instantly and the trigger broke at a crisp 3 pounds, dropping a full-curl Rambouillet-Navajo ram.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll never see another ram out here with horns like that,\u201d my guide enthused, and he was right. The taxidermist took my deposit and my trophy ram, neither of which I have seen again. Although over the years I have been unable to track either down, I still have my Griffin & Howe to bring back memories of that great hunt.<\/p>\n

\"Colt<\/p>\n


\n
\n Even timeless classics like this original Colt 1860 Army revolver deserve their time on the firing line, a literal blast from the past \u2022 Colt made a limited run of 4-inch-barreled blackpowder frame Storekeepers in 1987 and again in 2008. Most were purchased as collectables, but the author wanted to find out how they shot compared with the standard SAA barrels, and there was only one way to find out. He shot this group with Winchester 225 grain Silvertip hollowpoints \u2022 This pristine 1974-era Third Series Colt Woodsman can be kept in its like-new condition when carrying it in the field by using a pigskin-lined holster \u2022 To keep fragile grips, such as these hand-carved pearl stocks, from cracking or chipping while shooting vintage handguns, the author recommends temporarily replacing them with more durable stocks. Photos: Rick Hacker
\n \n <\/p>\n

Unlike my Griffin & Howe, however, many safe queens are not especially valuable in a monetary sense. As an example, one of my most cherished firearms is a New Dixie Squirrel Rifle, a .40-caliber, muzzleloading Tennessee-style long rifle that Turner Kirkland produced in Belgium from 1955 through 1981 for his Dixie Gun Works catalog. It wasn\u2019t expensive even back then, originally listing for $79.50, but in the early 1970s, that was all I could (barely) afford. Thus, it became the first gun I bought shortly after getting married.<\/p>\n

Later, when my fortunes increased slightly, I had the rifle upgraded with double-set triggers and brass \u201chunter\u2019s stars\u201d inlays. With 55 grains of FFG black powder and a .395-inch, patched round ball, that rifle proved to be extremely accurate (not only on squirrels; I actually won a few matches with it). Today, however, flipping through Dixie\u2019s current catalog and surfing the internet, one can buy excellent, new-reproduction Kentucky-styled rifles for far less\u2014adjusted for inflation\u2014than I originally paid for my used New Dixie Squirrel Rifle. Yet, I wouldn\u2019t dream of selling that maple-stocked muzzleloader with its blued octagon barrel and my crudely filed-down sights; it holds too many fond memories. So, although it resides in my safe, I still take it out occasionally to \u201cmake smoke,\u201d thus reliving those early years.<\/p>\n

By the same token, the .22 rifle you taught your son or daughter to shoot years ago is sentimentally priceless, and no doubt is still ready to punch out a few empty tin cans, yet it doesn\u2019t leave the confines of the safe for a casual plinking session with the grandkids. And then there are the new-in-the-box guns that are put away and never shot, because, as one friend told me after I admired his new Henry Big Boy Brass Rifle, \u201cIt\u2019s just too pretty to shoot.\u201d I suspect Henry Repeating Arms CEO and founder Anthony Imperato might dispute that statement; I have often thought that some firearms should come with dents and dings from the factory, just so purchasers wouldn\u2019t have to worry about being the first to cause such traumatic mishaps.<\/p>\n

\"Griffin<\/p>\n


\n
\n Griffin & Howe rifles are highly coveted\u2014all the more reason the author hunts with his. Photo: Rick Hacker
\n \n <\/p>\n

Not that I condone cavalier treatment of prized firearms today, but that doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t be shot. The primary rule is to take precautions: The first step is to ensure the gun is safe to shoot. Vintage guns especially should be checked by a gunsmith familiar with their particular functions (lever-action, single-shot, flintlock, etc.). Headspacing can be a problem with some older cartridge guns. Next\u2014and crucial to maintaining the condition and integrity of your prized possession\u2014is to protect the exterior finish and internal mechanisms. This can be accomplished with a light, hand-rubbed coating of linseed oil, when appropriate, and keeping the action sufficiently oiled to ensure proper functioning may be needed, as stored guns tend to dry out over time.<\/p>\n

Carrying the gun in a padded case is an easy protective fix when taking it to the range. Out in the field, it becomes more challenging. I once took my 12-gauge, 1902-era L.C. Smith No. 3E, with its color-case-hardened, hand-engraved lockplates, on a duck hunt because its twin deeply blued Nitro steel barrels were choked full and full, which promised more hits on birds that might not be totally fooled by the decoys. This turned out to be a bad move, as the overcast morning became stormy\u2014good for duck hunting but bad for my Elsie, which still performed admirably, but was subjected to a flurry of rain squalls. After returning home and thoroughly wiping it down, I took the shotgun to my gunsmith to make sure the action hadn\u2019t been subjected to undetected moisture. Returning the shotgun to me, he said \u201cThose locks are hand-fitted to the stock so precisely that I wouldn\u2019t want to remove them again, which could damage the surrounding wood.\u201d Needless to say, my L.C. Smith is now a fair-weather smoothbore.<\/p>\n

Additionally, whenever I shoot my Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Third Model .44 Spl., which letters as having been sent to Wolf & Klar in Ft. Worth, Texas, in 1928, I temporarily replace the easily cracked carved steerhead pearl grips that came with the gun with period-correct walnut grips purchased on eBay. Thus, I can enjoy shooting my collectable revolver while preserving its integrity and value. When it comes to carrying my Colt Woodsman Third Series Target Model or post-war \u201cfat barrel\u201d Colt .38 Super in the field, I use lined holsters to protect the pristine bluing on these guns. I also have a suede-lined holster for my Kimber Pro CDP II, al-though it makes for a tighter fit and can sometimes trap minute particles of grit\u2014not something you want rubbing against polished steel.<\/p>\n

So, unless it\u2019s an absolutely mint collectable or of irreplaceable value, there\u2019s no reason to keep your safe queen locked away. By taking a few commonsense precautions combined with a little extra care, the pride of ownership mixed with the enjoyment of shooting a prized possession can give you the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You\u2019ve probably heard the term \u201csafe queen,\u201d but for those who aren\u2019t quite sure what it means, simply…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":221248,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[87179,87172,87174,87176,87178,9,24,63,122,124,123,87181,87182,87175,87180,87177,87173],"class_list":["post-221247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-queens","tag-1902-era-l-c-smith-no-3e","tag-classic-firearm","tag-colt-python","tag-double-action-only-250-self-defense-pistol-course","tag-griffin-howe-1903-springfield","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-queens","tag-queens-headlines","tag-queens-news","tag-rick-hacker","tag-safe-queens","tag-shooting-collectible-firearms","tag-smith-wesson-hand-ejector-third-model-44-spl","tag-smith-wesson-model-29","tag-winchester-trapper"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221247","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221247"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221247\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/221248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}