You guys have persuaded me to shoot the barrel out. I have never really been good at storing anything. I love my 686 and am sure that this will be just as great. Too bad that I do not have anything with a smaller barrel for carry.I am the proud owner of a few snakes, (cobra, diamondbacks) including a like-new Python.
I shoot it. In the winter I carry it. Often I carry it on the trail.
If I had one of the a few remaining pristine Pythons I would feel obliged to preserve it. But since there is probably no other "modern" weapon that is more often a "safe queen" I prefer to enjoy it.
Some people think that I am a bit off because my daily carry is a Colt Diamondback 2.5 inch. My theory is "who deserves it more?"
YMMV