will rebluing hurt collectable value?

[buck]

     Will refinishing an older collectable gun change any of its value?  I have a non cass rifle that has some bluing worn off on the barrel and wondered if it was worth rebluing.  Other than that, it is in great shape.  The wood is perfect and the bore is bright and shiny.

[Major E A Sterner]

The short answer is Yes, it will hurt the value. Most "Collectors" want a perfect original finish,or as close to perfect as possible. If a gun has been reblued then it becomes a "Shooter grade" gun. Now if it's such a rare gun that having it "Restored" by such people like Doug Turnbull is being considered that will in most cases increase the value. it all boils down to It's your gun, do with it as you wish.
Hope this helps

[buck]

thanks for the reply, major. 

[Frenchie]

The Major's right, of course. As a general rule, refinishing a gun will hurt its collector value and that's for you to care about or not. Personally, if I had one that was perfect for my persona and it needed to look new(er) to fit, then I'd go ahead and do it.

Then there are the ones that would probably be made more valuable with a new finish, like my holster-worn Ruger Single Six, but I like the character it has so I won't refinish it.

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy!

Along with the facts already stated, a lot depends on the KIND of gun.  I wouldn't refinish a Luger or an 1860 Wartime Colt under most circumstances, but a newer (later than the 5 screw models) model S&W pistol probably wouldn't matter.

Again, decide for yourself - AFTER you find out whether it really IS a collector's item.

[St. George]

Yes.

Refinishing - even if done 'right' - lessens the collector value.

Collectors collect in varying degrees - some wanting only 95% of original finish and higher - and others wanting an excellent example of a well-cared-for example of the Model - but refinishing turns the piece into just a 'nice' piece.

Better to clean it well and show evidence that it's been taken care of than to 'do' anything to it.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[buck]

thanks for all the replies

[Delmonico]

So what is it anyway?

[buck]

     made in the 200th year of American Liberty  , Ruger .44 mag. carbine .  It has a small spot on the barrel where the bluing has been rubbed off...but no rust or pitting.  The wood has no dings or scratches and the bore is bright and shiny.  It might not be collectable now, but someday it might be.  I was just askin about rebluing cause that little spot bugs me.     But Im just gonna leave alone.

[buck]

WOW Delmonico !  Only 11,730 more posts and I will have caught up to you.   

[Major E A Sterner]

 Buck, a Liberty model .44 Carbine is collectible. Just go to the Ruger Forum and you will find a number of people who collect them. They are very much sought after.

[St. George]

If you decide to do it - send it back to Ruger.

A factory refinish is by far the best course, and it'll be listed in their records should it someday have a level of collectibility.

There are still a lot of those in their boxes that were bought with that day in mind.

Scouts Out!

[buck]

     Thanks Major, for the Ruger forum...I went there for a look see and it looks interesting.  The Ruger carbine is a kewl little rifle...and being the Bi Centenial one, I think it might be a little more special. 
     Thanks for the reply, St.George...that is a really good idea about sending it back to Ruger to be reblued.  If and when I do...that is exactly what I will do.   

[River City John]

WOW Delmonico !  Only 11,730 more posts and I will have caught up to you.   

Yeah, but those are in Dog posts.   Divide by 7.

[Delmonico]

Remind me next Sunday John, I'll most likely have a dog treat in my pocket or at least some in the pick-up.  Can you do a sit/stay?