r/canadaguns • u/Ok-Raise-5115 • Apr 23 '26
Misc Advice on family heirloom
I have an antique Gras infantry rifle that was converted to a 12 gauge shotgun sometime in the 1890s, it was my great grandfathers duck gun. 2 weeks ago my brother used it to kill himself. It’s currently in OPP custody. I’m torn between letting the cops keep/destroy a family heirloom versus keeping something that is a stark reminder of the worst day of my life, my father understandably never wants to see it again and my other brother wants to keep it and destroy it himself
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u/[deleted] Apr 23 '26
That really sucks my condolences to you and your family. I went through a similar experience, I kept the firearm just because I wasn’t going to let the police destroy it if anyone was going to do it, it would be me. I didn’t destroy it tho I ended up keeping it, in my case none of the family had an opinion or objection .
I don’t shoot the gun I take it out and clean it every so often and now when I look at it I think of him and all the good times . He had things going on we didn’t know about that’s just what it came down to , the gun wasn’t to blame even though it was easy to blame and I definitely did at first . End of day I don’t think the item is worth making waves with family over if they feel strongly about it it may be best to let it go or let your brother have something that might give him a little closure.
No gun owner would judge any decision you guys make about it they’re all valid and your families choice alone. I wish you and your family the best through your grieving and healing processes.