Collector value is a funny thing. It is real, because it is a market subject to what some people are willing or not willing to spend. I don't begrudge serious collector's their enjoyment in the least. It is just a different form of loony than whatever forms of "loonyness" I happen to have. Or maybe it is just degree, because I do have a bit of collector loonyness myself. I appreciate the history of a fine vintage firearm even if I don't get super excited about its "virginity." It doesn't bother me if people shoot them, but it does bother me to see them overly modified. To each his own.
Anyway, at the end of the day, an unfired rifle is an untested rifle. Shooting King Tut may very well be a $2k decision, but "mistake" is a matter of opinion.
