Tell me about this 44...

[inFALable]

Don't refinish it.

While its finish may seem very poor now in 20 years, when 3rd HE .44's go for 5000 plus, finding one with 50% will be vastly better than a refinished one which is 0% finish.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[ladder13]

I've got one that been refinished, even has the gold H/T treatment. Appears it has a "B" stamp on the right side of the grip, so probably originally blue. All collector value is gone either way.
Mechanics are very good from what I can see.
Someday I may send it to Ford's or Cogan for a blue job. Not a big fan of nickel.
It's only money.

 

[Hondo44]

I'm also in the camp to get the rust off and the tarnish off of the nickel. The stocks are not all that bad, scrub with a toothbrush and mild detergent, then give them a coat of Tru Oil. Once it looks a 100% better, and it will, sell it for a profit. Or just resell as it is for a smaller profit. Then shop for a blue one that you prefer.