Advice Solicited: Should I Refinish This?
- Thread starter BlackAgnes
- Start date
Dave T
Member
It isn't "sad", rather it has character. I've never understood the apparent immediate impulse to re-finish any older gun people acquire. Keeps gunsmiths busy but ruins far more guns that it ever fixes or improves.
Dave
Dave
OP
Guys-- Many thanks-- I think I'll clean and oil it and let it be, at least for the time being.
David--Yes, I had my "honorary" pre-war kit gun refinished--it had NO finish and although it had been retrofitted by the factory with a real pre-war kit gun barrel in the 40s, it wasn't original and I wanted it pretty. I am happy with it. Pics below.
This 1905 Target is original, and although the pre-war magnas aren't numbered, I have little doubt they came with it. Since they are seldom seen, it's worthwhile to keep it original.
Tim
David--Yes, I had my "honorary" pre-war kit gun refinished--it had NO finish and although it had been retrofitted by the factory with a real pre-war kit gun barrel in the 40s, it wasn't original and I wanted it pretty. I am happy with it. Pics below.
This 1905 Target is original, and although the pre-war magnas aren't numbered, I have little doubt they came with it. Since they are seldom seen, it's worthwhile to keep it original.
Tim
Jack Flash
Member
Dave T makes a good point. I often wonder why someone buys something they immediately want to refinish. Why not buy one in the condition you desire in the first place? It will cost less and be worth more. If you sell this one, then take that money and put it with the cost of a decent refinish (plus s&h both ways), you will be able to buy something more in line with your expectations.
I think a thorough application of high-quality oil or grease will protect it well enough. Shoot it then clean and oil it each time afterwards and it will outlive you.
I think a thorough application of high-quality oil or grease will protect it well enough. Shoot it then clean and oil it each time afterwards and it will outlive you.
OP
Jack--
I think that because it's "neat" and the price is really right, often, n'est ce pas? At least that was the case with this gun.
These old guns are not routinely encountered anymore.
But, I think I'll leave it in its current state. So often, as collectors, we emphasize condition and want all our guns to look like new. The reality is that many of these old timers have been used hard, as tools rather than as artifacts, and have suffered from neglect.
Part of their charm. I suppose.
Tim
I think that because it's "neat" and the price is really right, often, n'est ce pas? At least that was the case with this gun.
These old guns are not routinely encountered anymore.
But, I think I'll leave it in its current state. So often, as collectors, we emphasize condition and want all our guns to look like new. The reality is that many of these old timers have been used hard, as tools rather than as artifacts, and have suffered from neglect.
Part of their charm. I suppose.
Tim
Jack Flash
Member
Très bien, Tim.
I'm trying to be patient and not buy something just because it's available... and hoping what I want will materialize some day soon. Maybe your way is better.
I'm trying to be patient and not buy something just because it's available... and hoping what I want will materialize some day soon. Maybe your way is better.
flagman1776
Member
I would leave it as is. It's part of her history now.
Russ
Russ
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