38-44 Fix it...or sell it ??

[Win]

An older gentleman in the neighborhood sold me some of his guns. One was a 38-44 Outdoorsman that he purchased new in 1958. The action is tight, timing good and no end shake. No rust or wear.....but the bluing is getting kind of thin. Should I re-finish the gun before it begins to rust and keep it, or sell as is?? I'm not sure what to even ask for it. If I refinish, who does the best work on these older guns?? Thanks for your opinions, please.

 

[Win]

An older gentleman in the neighborhood sold me some of his guns. One was a 38-44 Outdoorsman that he purchased new in 1958. The action is tight, timing good and no end shake. No rust or wear.....but the bluing is getting kind of thin. Should I re-finish the gun before it begins to rust and keep it, or sell as is?? I'm not sure what to even ask for it. If I refinish, who does the best work on these older guns?? Thanks for your opinions, please.

 

[charles isaac]

I would get a nice Jordan River Holster for it and carry it.

It is nice to impress people with pristine looking guns on the internet, but most of those pretty guns are safe queens

That one looks like a good holster gun. I have too many nice guns that are too good to really use and I could have a lot of fun with that one. Man, I want a 38/44HD or Outdoorsman! Nice find.

 

[gjamison]

i would love to bye it from you. let me know.

 

[yugolovr]

Don't do anything to it. Take it out and use it. As for taking care of the finish that's what Rig is for. Wipe it down on a regular basis and you'll never have any problems.

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, FWIW, I don't find the pictured gun's finish wear objectionable and would simply leave it as it is. It's very similar to my 28-2, actually. Wipe it down with an oily rag periodically, and it'll be fine for many years to come. Also, a refinished gun has zero percent original finish, which would hurt its value in a collector's eyes.

JMHO.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[Lionhound]

A thin finish might mean it has been in the thick of things. Gives it character. I'd keep it as is.

 

[Art Doc]

Hell, son, that gun ain't hardly broken in.

Why do so many folks feel the need to reblue a fine old gun just because it shows some honest wear? Have we fully succumb to the "disposal society" mentality where need to repair or replace things that are just fine as they are?

 

[j38]

That's a beautiful old Smith - just the way it is! Keep it clean, shoot it, and enjoy it. I'd be proud to own that gun.
Regards, Jerry

 

[Guest]

If you can't stand the way it looks then I'd suggest you simply drop me a PM and I'll give you the address to send it to ME 'cause it is way too nice to be "messed with" and I promise it won't get rusty for the rest of its life!!!

 

[gadwalloper]

+1 Saxon-Pig

Use and enjoy it as is!

Gadwalloper

 

[Wyatt Earp]

I'd do some light steel wool/oil on the rust feckles and then a bit of touch up blue. That's it.

That is a fine handgun.

 

[38-44HD45]

Monkey wrench time: I'd send it to Hamilton Bowen and get it converted to .45 Colt...

A .38 in an N-frame is like a VW engine in a Mack truck.

 

[Raider]

Beautiful revolver. Keep it the way that it is.

 

[arfmel]

I would be proud to call that old beauty mine, and would certainly not have it reblued.

 

[DHENRY]

Win,
It's a satin finish, and it will appear lighter, thinner, less polished and less reflective than a high-polished blue.
A good cleanup and possibly a coat of Renaissance wax would do wonders for that fine old gun.
Don

 

[Jellybean]

It was bought in '58.
I was born in '58.
Things always happen in threes, so I'll give you $58.00 for it.
Just thought I'd try.

Keep it and enjoy it in any way you like.

 

[Win]

Would that $58 be in 1958 silver dollars?? Heck, make it silver dollars fom any year, and we will talk about it.

 

[aalmcc4]

Do NOT reblue that gun. I woudl love one just likel that adn have been looking, but not findig for some time.

Leave it as is and enjoy it! Just mu opinion.

 

[Jellybean]

Would that $58 be in 1958 silver dollars?? Heck, make it silver dollars fom any year, and we will talk about it.

How about gold dollars? With a picture of Sacagawea on them.