#126- To Shoot or Not to Shoot: Safe Queens

Published on April 1, 2022
Duration: 28:27

This episode of the Guns Magazine Podcast, featuring editors Brent Wheat and Tom McHale, delves into the concept of 'safe queens' – firearms that are kept in pristine condition and rarely, if ever, used. They discuss how to identify these guns, often still in original packaging, and contrast them with tools that are meant to be used and show signs of wear. While acknowledging the existence of 'safe queens' and even personal examples, the hosts advocate for using firearms as intended, embracing the experience and joy of shooting them.

Quick Summary

A 'safe queen' firearm is one kept in pristine, like-new condition, often in its original packaging, and rarely used for its intended purpose. While many owners have them, experienced shooters advocate for using firearms as tools to gain experience and joy, accepting that some wear and tear is a sign of a gun being used as intended.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Sponsor: Luth-AR
  2. 01:17Introducing the Topic: Safe Queens
  3. 04:43Defining a Safe Queen
  4. 05:30Guns as Tools vs. Safe Queens
  5. 06:06Clues to Identifying a Safe Queen
  6. 07:14Hammer Analogy for Gun Wear
  7. 09:26Tom McHale's Safe Queen: Colt Woodsman
  8. 10:36Grandfather's Colt Woodsman (1936)
  9. 12:07Brent Wheat's Family Heirloom Rifle
  10. 13:38Classic Safe Queen Definition
  11. 14:00Custom Ruger Blackhawks Dilemma
  12. 16:29Walther PPK: Not a Safe Queen
  13. 18:08Guns Bought for Intended Purpose
  14. 19:40The "Hoarding Problem" of Shooters
  15. 20:06Investment Guns vs. Heirlooms
  16. 21:18Theories on Unused Guns
  17. 21:37Involuntary Safe Queen: 10mm Ammo Issues
  18. 23:03What to Do with Safe Queens
  19. 23:28Evil Thought: 'Damaging' Safe Queens
  20. 24:28Back to the Ruger Blackhawks
  21. 25:31Final Thoughts: Shoot Your Guns
  22. 26:22Listener Submission Request
  23. 27:06Outro & Podcast Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'safe queen' in the context of firearms?

A 'safe queen' is a firearm that is kept in pristine, like-new condition, often still in its original packaging or protective bag. These guns are rarely, if ever, used for their intended purpose, such as shooting, carrying, or self-defense, spending most of their lives in storage.

How can you identify if a firearm is a 'safe queen'?

Key indicators include the firearm being in its original box, still sealed in anti-moisture baggies, or showing absolutely no signs of wear, scuffs, or holster marks. It's a gun that has essentially not been used as a tool.

Should firearms be used or kept as 'safe queens'?

While many owners have 'safe queens,' the consensus from experienced shooters and editors like Brent Wheat and Tom McHale is that firearms are tools meant to be used. Shooting them provides experience, joy, and fulfills their purpose, even if it results in some wear and tear.

What are some examples of firearms that might be considered 'safe queens'?

Examples discussed include older, immaculate Colt Woodsman pistols and French-made Walther PPK handguns. However, the hosts emphasize that even valuable or collectible firearms can and should be shot to be appreciated fully.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from GUNS and American Handgunner Magazines

View all →