I'm sure this question is asked all the time but here it goes. When does one consider having a revolver re-finished? I know many say don't do it relative to the value but are there other things that need to be considered in the decision? thanks

Do it when the condition of your gun bothers you. Many folks like some character wear, others don't. Strictly up to you.

Unless you have a truly collectible gun where having the original finish is a major issue, just do whatever pleases you. Personally, I don't like ratty looking guns and I don't hesitate to have one refinished whenever I think it needs it. Unless it's a Registered Magnum or Colt Patterson, somebody else can worry about the collectability as far as I'm concerned.

I have refinished several smith's that i bought and for one reason or another needed it. If it's a using gun, go for it. (luckily I have my own custom shop and do my own reblueing)

A friend has an old S&W Model 10 that looked like it had been dragged behind a truck down a hundred miles of gravel road. It was in good mechanical shape but looked like death warmed over.
He got some OD green Alumahyde II from Brownells and painted the gun. It really looks good now even if it is an unusual color.
He carries it while bird hunting or fishing so it is carried quite a bit. He says he'll repaint it if starts looking ratty again.
He said it cost him less than $15 for the epoxy paint that will redo the gun several times if he has too.
If I find a bargain (an ugly but good functioning gun) I may do the same.

The guns that I have bought with wear, they are meant to be shooters, not lookers. Remember that not only will you be reducing any value remaining in the gun, but you will never recover the cost of the refinish itself. I think it makes since in some cases, but not for most revolvers.

If the gun has sentimental value or if the value is $$$$ and you paid $ then why not. If you bought it new and it's your shooter keep it a shooter you can shoot, carry and play without being over protective about its looks. As mentioned you can paint the gun BLACK and spend $ without breaking the bank or causing negative $$$. Keep in mind some people like the way an expensive blue job looks they make the gun a paperweight and later stress themselves trying to sell it for what they invested into it.

Most times the $200.-$320. (with shipping) blue job is better spent on a new gun that you can keep in the safe unfired (after S&W) so when you think of re-bluing the not so blue gun you can look in your safe and touch the -shinny blue/black- gun, and keep her lubed up and you have +$$$ . -JMHO

FYI: Years ago my Colt GC MK IV series 70 (.45) was unfortunately water damaged to a water heater mess. The damage wasn't bad mostly under the factory wood grips I cleaned and oiled but could never get over the damage. The gun had CC wear but it was otherwise still young ~800 rounds down the tube. I finally sent it to Colt I figure $320. on the ~$240. my POP spent back in the early 70's was a good investment especially since it will be handed down -eventually-. I've had it back a few months and put less than 40 rounds through it and CC a Wilson that Royal Blue just looks to "BLUE" to make it a shooter or CCW -go figure-.

Much thanks to all the input and opinions.