Howdy!
Virginny Gent, I agree that the "old" look fits many of these guns well. However, part of this decision to buy them or re-finish them to the old look depends on the historical situation. If you're just in this game to shoot old type guns and have lots of fun, then they might be for you. However, if you're trying to portray someone (either specifically or in general) back in the mid to late 1800s, then think of it this way. If you portray a military person in 1880 for instance, and you have an 1873 Colt SAA, then AT MOST, your gun is 7 years old, and if you're a civilian, your gun is most likely only a year or two old, since very FEW 1873 Colts got into civilian hands until 1877 or so. There WERE some exceptions, but I'm speaking in majority terms. it might not look "right" if you're carrying a gun that is 2 years old, but looks like it's not a day over 125 years old!
![Grin ;D](https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/Smileys/cowboys/grin.gif)
It all depends on your own situation.
I have a really cool 1851 (type) Colt that has been expertly aged to look old. (Before I got it) It is, IMHO, very handsome. But I wouldn't try to pass it off as a 10 year old gun for Civil War use! It is simply too old and worn looking. As a living historian, which I attempt to do sometimes, I want my equipment to look used but not ancient.
Yer mileage may vary.
![Cheesy :D](https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/Smileys/cowboys/cheesy.gif)