I am a new vistor to the Forum and I became the proud and privileged owner of a Model 31 two days ago.
The gun is in the 71000 range and the barrel says the gun was made in 1946.
Two questions
1) Should I shoot my Model 31 or just keep it quiet and pretty. I shoot my other guns, but this Model 31 seems special. The finish is 95% or better, with one scratch to the barrel and a little pealing of the shellac on the buttstock.
2) I am going to take it to a gunsmith for a function test and a good cleaning, but as purchased, the action sticks a bit at the beginning of the stroke when I bring the pump handle forward too slowly. Is this normal?
Should I shoot my Model 31?
Re: Should I shoot my Model 31?
Why would you not shoot it? If it was 100% and unfired that's an entirely different matter. As long as you take reasonable care of it you aren't going to hurt it by shooting it. Give it a good cleaning and let 'er rip. Any stickiness is probably just gummy old lube deposits.
What could have happened... did.