Show your shame: Safe Queens Edition!

[ZLBubba]

My name is ZLBubba, and I've got a safe queen. (The crowd murmurs "Hi ZL" in response.)

My most shameful safe queen is a Tac Ops Lima 66. This is a holy grail gun that I waited two years to get, but in that time I acquired two guns that fit my LR bill perfectly, a 6Creed GAP-10 when I want to shoot a gasser, and the LRI 7/300WM wildcat project that I've been working on. Since those two projects have worked out fairly well, I haven't even fired my Lima 66 since I took ownership early spring 2014. Here is a clone of my stock queen that someone posted on another forum, and I'll admit I'm ashamed that I haven't even mounted a scope on her. This is a stock picture that I found on the Internet... I don't even have my own pics of her, just the test target that Mike sent with her.

And like all Tac Ops, this rifle is a laser.

I have thought a few times about selling this beauty, but I can't bring myself to do it. What has kept me from listing this rifle is the simple fact that I don't think I'll ever find another 300WM that shoots like this. There are only two builders I know of that consistently put together 300WMs that shoot in the .0s and .1s: Robert Gradous and Mike Resigno. If I can't replace that rifle, then why sell it? So that's my justification, and once I get to a point when the 6 Creed and 7/300WM aren't doing it for me, then I'll scope this beautiful bitch up and shoot her. Until that time, she sits in the safe and smiles at me.

This is my only real safe queen; everything else gets shot except for my heirloom pistols, which is more a function of having too many pistols than not wanting to shoot the pistols.

So, right here and now, post your shame! Show the Hide the rifles you have sitting in your safe that deserve more attention than you give them. Maybe this will mean you'll get off your ass and shoot them, maybe it will mean you decide to sell your safe queens to members who will treat those rifles as they deserve. Either way, admitting you have a safe queen is the first step in this process...

 

[ZLBubba]

Man, I'm the only guy feeling guilty for having a safe queen?

 

[Shoottothrill]

Whats the barrel length on that masterpiece?

 

[richidaho]

Here is my old timer safe queen. Its a Browning BPCR 1885, 40-65 first year of production gun with fancy wood. I upgraded the sights and she shoots better than I have been able to cast bullets for her. Only taken her out twice in the last two years ;(. My brother was going to start shooting BPCR with me but that never happened. So I look at her mostly and keep hoping some one will shoot BPCR with me. Matches in Blackfoot, ID every third Saturday, March-November, Cider Hills Gun Range.




Rich L

 

[komishe]

Despicable. What a waste

11 steps to go................

 

[ZLBubba]

Whats the barrel length on that masterpiece?

I think the Lima 66 is a 24" barrel. I have a 20" barrel on my Tango 51, but I like the longer tube for the big boomers.

That Browning is a piece of art! I love it.

 

[TheGerman]

1944 K98 Mauser BCD4 with the original receiver holes from selection at the factory and original checkered buttplate.

It wasn't complete when I found it, but found the correct mount and the correct 1918 dated Zeiss Zielsechs optic. I've taken it out once and am scared as shit to shoot it because of the value of the LSR drilled receiver and original pristine Zeiss.

 

[dang472]

I'm pretty sure most of my builds from the last 2 years are safe queens. Between working 6 days a week, a new house, and a 2yr old and a 4yr old, I've got like 7 rifles that aren't even zeroed. What's even more pathetic is that I have a 200yrd range on my new property. There always seems to be a new project to do or a stupid birthday party to attend. I promise to use my shit next year. Might even get a scratch on my new ATACR.

 

[ZLBubba]

1944 K98 Mauser BCD4 with the original receiver holes from selection at the factory and original checkered buttplate.

It wasn't complete when I found it, but found the correct mount and the correct 1918 dated Zeiss Zielsechs optic. I've taken it out once and am scared as shit to shoot it because of the value of the LSR drilled receiver and original pristine Zeiss.

Pics!!! I'd love to see this rifle.

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

1944 K98 Mauser BCD4 with the original receiver holes from selection at the factory and original checkered buttplate.

It wasn't complete when I found it, but found the correct mount and the correct 1918 dated Zeiss Zielsechs optic. I've taken it out once and am scared as shit to shoot it because of the value of the LSR drilled receiver and original pristine Zeiss.

We have to see this.

 

[steve123]

The only safe queen I own. A late 60's unfired Sako Finnwolf custom left to me by my late father.

<a href="http://s411.photobucket.com/user/shmonty03/media/20140904_154040_zpszp0i37by.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/shmonty03/20140904_154040_zpszp0i37by.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140904_154040_zpszp0i37by.jpg"/></a>

 

[TheGerman]

We have to see this.

Will see if I can take a decent picture of it. Overall its nothing special looking, it was total luck that I got it as it was an oversight by InterOrdnance when they imported it as the receiver holes and thick receiver wall for the LSR snipers fetch a ridiculous premium to collectors. I ended up getting it as a regular import with a second regular BCD4 as I requested those specific codes for somewhere around $200 a piece. I've been offered $3k for just the receiver and turned it down.

The metal is refinished from the Russians but you can see in a few spots theres phosphate underneath. The holes were drilled by the Germans and it has the tell tale thicker receiver wall that can't be faked/repo'd as far as I know. The barrel and receiver are matched whereas the other parts are not, but the receiver/barrel is what the collectors would be after; if this was an all matching BCD4 LSR we'd be talking astronomical auction prices from what I've seen at GunBoards.

The mount is a repro; couldn't find an original to save my life, but did find the correct original 'rarer' 6x Zeiss Zielsechs for it in Germany. Some research from people on Gunboards said the serial would make it a 1918 dated optic and the correct version/type that was used.

The only real mystery is the butt plate. How did the waffled butt plate only seen on some BCD sniper rifles get onto this receiver, that was numbered to a different rifle? Field swap? Total dumb luck? It only has proof marks on the inside, no numbers or anything else and has a nice patina going.

Anyways, I'll see what I can take a pic. Didn't want you guys thinking it was some $10k+ all matching k98 lol

 

[Twisted .308]

AKASHA ... I brought her out into daylight ,,, but she soon vaporized after I took her picture...

Only have one other a 1960 Browning Superposed O/U 20ga my dad left me ...but it's at Browning undergoing a full restoration , I should get it back by Nov. 2015 ,,,,I'm hoping sooner !

 

[ZLBubba]

I brought her out into daylight ,,, but she soon vaporized after I took her picture...

This is one of the grave dangers of removing safe queens from their sanctuaries.

 

[pinzmann]

Will see if I can take a decent picture of it. Overall its nothing special looking, it was total luck that I got it as it was an oversight by InterOrdnance when they imported it as the receiver holes and thick receiver wall for the LSR snipers fetch a ridiculous premium to collectors. I ended up getting it as a regular import with a second regular BCD4 as I requested those specific codes for somewhere around $200 a piece. I've been offered $3k for just the receiver and turned it down.

The metal is refinished from the Russians but you can see in a few spots theres phosphate underneath. The holes were drilled by the Germans and it has the tell tale thicker receiver wall that can't be faked/repo'd as far as I know. The barrel and receiver are matched whereas the other parts are not, but the receiver/barrel is what the collectors would be after; if this was an all matching BCD4 LSR we'd be talking astronomical auction prices from what I've seen at GunBoards.

The mount is a repro; couldn't find an original to save my life, but did find the correct original 'rarer' 6x Zeiss Zielsechs for it in Germany. Some research from people on Gunboards said the serial would make it a 1918 dated optic and the correct version/type that was used.

The only real mystery is the butt plate. How did the waffled butt plate only seen on some BCD sniper rifles get onto this receiver, that was numbered to a different rifle? Field swap? Total dumb luck? It only has proof marks on the inside, no numbers or anything else and has a nice patina going.

Anyways, I'll see what I can take a pic. Didn't want you guys thinking it was some $10k+ all matching k98 lol

German, this is quite a coincidence as I ordered a couple Mausers from the same place about 5-6 years ago and got a similar thick walled sniper type receiver one. Not home right now but will check tomorrow the date and code on the receiver but am pretty sure it's a '43 or '44. Mine has no holes drilled in it. Mine is a RC..

 

[Bob L Swagger]

Here's mine: 1959 Winchester Model 70 .243 win (I never shot it)

 

[TheGerman]

German, this is quite a coincidence as I ordered a couple Mausers from the same place about 5-6 years ago and got a similar thick walled sniper type receiver one. Not home right now but will check tomorrow the date and code on the receiver but am pretty sure it's a '43 or '44. Mine has no holes drilled in it. Mine is a RC..

Just looked, there is a complete matching one on gunbroker right now for $14k.

 

[blackfoot]

Shiloh Sharps 45-110. Lot of work to get back into black powder cartridge shooting

 

[ZLBubba]

There's some awesome rifles coming out now. It's cool to see those rigs. Bob, I was looking on GB today for a pre-64 Model 70. Love that gun. And I've always wanted a Sharps. Keep these safe queens coming!

 

[siscoe308]

Dang these are some rifles! No wonder they are not allowed to leave the safe.

 

[Bob L Swagger]

There's some awesome rifles coming out now. It's cool to see those rigs. Bob, I was looking on GB today for a pre-64 Model 70. Love that gun. And I've always wanted a Sharps. Keep these safe queens coming!

There is one on there now without a unertl optic for $2750. Something seems odd with the bluing though..

 

[ZLBubba]

There is one on there now without a unertl optic for $2750. Something seems odd with the bluing though..

Yeah, I saw that rifle. The bluing almost looks matte, which is obviously wrong. Is it just the lighting? I honestly thought that it looked re-blued.

What I'd like to do is get a solid pre-64 magnum action and build a 375 H&H dangerous game gun with it. Still, I'd only use it on a bear hunt to Alaska or a safari to Africa, thus I'd probably be making just another safe queen.

 

[blackfoot]

And I've always wanted a Sharps.

I've always wanted a Tac Ops Hey, I have an idea...................

 

[jbell]

Well it isn't a bolt action rifle but it is about as close to a safe queen as I have:

1936 Browning Superposed 12ga skeet skeet it isn't perfect by any means but I like it. This shotgun was sold new in 1936 in Portland Maine and 76 years and 2 days later I bought it in Freeport Maine. I had the historical records dept at Browning look up the history of the gun. As far as I can tell it is original and not been refinished (less the recoil pad). It is just a shooter but I am fond of it:

 

[blackfoot]

My second safe queen. Had it a month and haven't shot it yet. I think that is a record for me. I keep meaning to but I've been shooting my rifles and not giving this thing any lovin'

 

[blackfoot]

Well it isn't a bolt action rifle but it is about as close to a safe queen as I have:

1936 Browning Superposed 12ga skeet skeet it isn't perfect by any means but I like it. This shotgun was sold new in 1936 in Portland Maine and 76 years and 2 days later I bought it in Freeport Maine. I had the historical records dept at Browning look up the history of the gun. As far as I can tell it is original and not been refinished (less the recoil pad). It is just a shooter but I am fond of it:

Very nice!!!

 

[rbdub474]

Inland M2 Carbine. It comes out every now and then, but she leads a relatively pampered life:

 

[ZLBubba]

Alright, if we're getting shotguns out, then take a look at this. My great-grandmother's 1919 LC Smith 20 ga double barrel. What a beauty. I was I took better pictures!

 

[bh10]

My second safe queen. Had it a month and haven't shot it yet. I think that is a record for me. I keep meaning to but I've been shooting my rifles and not giving this thing any lovin'

Drool.

 

[hondo1312]

Alright, if we're getting shotguns out, then take a look at this. My great-grandmother's 1919 LC Smith 20 ga double barrel. What a beauty. I was I took better pictures!

That is awesome! I'll have to post up a pic of the 1926 LC 12 ga my grandfather gave me. It's not near as shiny as yours!

 

[thejeep]

maybe not for something old, but its blasphemy to not shoot a new one.

 

[PatrickChewing]

My humble contribution: 2 matched pairs of 410 and 28 gauge. I will admit they all have been shot a good bit!

 

[cramey74]

1880 Colt SAA Serial # 51,XXX Frontier Six Shooter 44-40. Has been in my family since new. I have the holster that was bought with it new and an unopened box of ammo.

 

[Dezelrig]

1860 Colt SAA Serial # 51,XXX Frontier Six Shooter 44-40. Has been in my family since new. I have the holster that was bought with it new and an unopened box of ammo.

Very cool. Could you post a photo of the old ammo and holster?

 

[msalm]

Here's one of mine....built it short notice last year after talking about an extreme range shooter. Stiller 408 Tac single shot action, 30" Rock barrel, bottom safety Jewel, ATACR scope, Joel Russo A5L stock that he just profiled short notice and sent to me un-inlet. From inception to finish about a month. Shot maybe 25 rounds out of it and moved onto the next plaything. Shot it out to a whopping 300 yards, 300 gr MK's at 3150 and one ragged hole. Oh, caliber is 338-408 CT (Big Baer).

 

[cramey74]

Very cool. Could you post a photo of the old ammo and holster?

Here ya go.. The man in the picture is my Great Grandfather wearing the gun and holster.

 

[Dezelrig]

Here ya go.. The man in the picture is my Great Grandfather wearing the gun and holster.

That's an awesome treasure to have in your collection. That's way more valuable than a "safe queen".

 

[cramey74]

Here ya go.. The man in the picture is my Great Grandfather wearing the gun and holster.

That's an awesome treasure to have in your collection. That's way more valuable than a "safe queen".

Thanks for the kind words. I have other guns that have been passed down to me, but this one is truly special to me. I have had my eye on it since I could barely walk. I hope it stays in my family for another 134 years.

 

[blackfoot]

That is awesome. I do wonder though. I thought they didn't start producing the SAA until 1873? I think your serial number would put it around 1879 production.

 

[jbell]

1860 Colt SAA Serial # 51,XXX Frontier Six Shooter 44-40. Has been in my family since new. I have the holster that was bought with it new and an unopened box of ammo.

That's Awesome!

 

[ZLBubba]

Yeah, I'm drooling over that Colt SAA. Wow, what a pistol! And the family provenance just makes it that much better?

 

[HD-Ghost]

Safe queens

I have a few. Here is one.

Great thread. Some beautiful wood, and some good stories.

 

[cramey74]

That is awesome. I do wonder though. I thought they didn't start producing the SAA until 1873? I think your serial number would put it around 1879 production.

You are correct. Sorry for the typo, it was like 1AM when I wrote that. The date of shipment on it was 01/26/1880. It went to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis Mo.

 

[catswithguns]

Have you ever shot that Colt? It is in immaculate condition. Geez, 130 years in the same family. Amazing.

 

[blackfoot]

You are correct. Sorry for the typo, it was like 1AM when I wrote that. The date of shipment on it was 01/26/1880. It went to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis Mo.

That is outstanding. Ever had it appraised? Are those the original grips? I bet you wish that gun could tell stories..............

 

[JeffLebowski]

Oh man, oh man. Beeyootiful.

Here's mine: 1959 Winchester Model 70 .243 win (I never shot it)

 

[cramey74]

That is outstanding. Ever had it appraised? Are those the original grips? I bet you wish that gun could tell stories..............

I have never had it appraised, I probably should. I don't know if the grips are original but I know they were on the gun when my Great Grandfather's brother gave it to him. So either he changed them when it was new or they came on the gun. My Great Grandfather's brother bought the gun because he started dating a girl (Señorita ) that worked with him on the railroad in administration. Her ex worked for the same company and did not like the new arrangement. The ex liked to fight and was known to use a knife if things didn't go his way. He did follow through with his threat in Texas, he jumped him in the dark by the tracks while he was with his girlfriend. He fired one round and the fella ran away. He knew he hit him because there was blood. He thought he would be in trouble so he turned himself in to the local Sheriff. They fined him $5.00 for discharging his weapon in city limits. He did not hear from the ex boyfriend after the incident. He then gave the gun to my Great Grandfather who carried it for sometime while living in Belton Mo. He had a fella contact him sometime in the 1960's wanting to buy the Colt. The man drove all the way from middle of Kansas to buy it. When my GGF asked why he wanted it so bad, he said it was similar to the gun that Jesse James used. My GGF then asked if he was going to tell people that it was indeed Jesse's gun and he said yes. My GGF sent the man packing even though he had offered $200.00 for it. Prior to that my Grandfather carried it for a couple of years as a security guard at RPM which later became Lawn Boy mowers in Lamar, Mo., where he later became a tool and die maker. Sorry for the typing I wrote this on my cell phone.

 

[Vargmat]

My humble contribution: 2 matched pairs of 410 and 28 gauge. I will admit they all have been shot a good bit!

I am green with envy. That is a REALLY nice collection of Winchester model 1912 shotguns.

 

[EasyGravy]

Wow those are some nice model 12s. I have a bunch also, I take pic later.

 

[splean]

Here ya go.. The man in the picture is my Great Grandfather wearing the gun and holster.

PRICELESS!!! That's awesome, thanks for sharing!

PS - It seems he had a couple of suitcases strapped to the back of the car. Do you know if he was relocating or taking an extended trip? Just curious. Great photo!

PPS - Just finished reading your story about your GGF and his brother, really just awesome!