Nah, we're on the same page. I like me sum revolvers with no turn marks, that sort of thing. They definitely warrant the prices some of them command--to have a gun, and not shoot it, is rare. Especially in the case of the 59--it was popular, but a lot of that popularity was police-use. Cops are just about as hard on their guns as cowboys.

In other words, I'm not poo-poohing the price tags some pristine guns get. They're worth it...but no, not to me. I can respect the price without paying it.

But those scratched-up shooters deserve some love, too! My hands-down best gun, if I had to pick one all-arounder, is a K-38 Target Masterpiece that someone let live in a holster for a few decades. I've considered having it refinished, but (A) I don't think I'd trust anyone with such a super shooter, and (B) I can't stop shooting it for long enough to have that done!

Some people hear "beater" and "truck-gun" and "worn" and think it's a put-down--it ain't!