Irresponsible Gun Owner of the Day: Auction Hunters

I was half watching Auction Hunters on TV while enjoying an adult beverage after working all weekend at the plant. I don’t typically watch this show but I didn’t have the energy to swap channels, if you know what I mean. In any event, these two guys bid on abandoned storage units or something and then see how much they can make selling what they find. Several things struck me about the show. First, they seem to find a hell of a lot of abandoned guns in those storage units. Nice guns, too. Unbelievable. I sure wouldn’t store any firearms like that. Or abandon them . . .

But the meat of the thought process was this particular Winchester Model 1897 shotgun [2:37]. According to their “expert”, the gun was manufactured in 1900. I don’t know how old mine is, but I do have the same basic shotgun. Model 1897? Check! 16 gauge? Nope, 12, but close. Somewhat ratty in appearance? Definitely! Questionable shooting condition? Well, that’s the real question, ain’t it.

The two honchos take their gun out to the range, allow the expert to quote some expert stuff about it, and then get down to business. The gun would be worth more as a shooter than just a wall hanger. But it could also explode in their face if they try to shoot it. The expert basically shrugs in response to “is it safe to shoot?” So their solution? Load it up and shoot it. Simple as that

Huh?

I realize this wasn’t a gun show, so I don’t expect real expertise. And no telling how much expert opinion took place off camera. But still, I can think of better ways to go blind. Figuratively speaking.

My real life solution to the question “is it safe to shoot?” went down like this. I took my pawn shop Winchester out to the farm. I strapped it to an old tire and pointed it toward a dirt berm. I tired a string around the trigger and ran it 30 ft over to an old tree. I loaded one shell, retreated behind the tree, and pulled the string. BOOM. Rinse and repeat.

I went with the lowest power target loads first, then worked my way up to full power buckshot. Fired about 50 rounds that way. Then carefully inspected the shotgun for any damage, cracks, broken pieces, etc. Finally decided it was safe and shot it without incident.

So, anyone else have a similar experience? What’s the preferred method of testing?

And yes, I know. Before we get a dozen similar comments, I know the “only correct answer” is to take it to a competent gunsmith and have him/her check it out. As if. Let’s pretend some of these “competent” people aren’t and we sometimes gotta take care of business ourselves. What do you do?

But whatever it is, loading and shooting an old, unfamiliar weapon is incredibly irresponsible behavior. And not to go all RF on you, showing it on TV is simply an idiocy multiplier. All concerned should have known better.