More old model question

[Ruger45]

So I have come across more than one old model that had seen better days as far as finish goes.
What say the crowed of collectors here about getting them redone?

 

[Hondo44]

Normally I don't reblue guns. You can spend a good deal of money and get a nice restoration or pay less and have the gun ruined even though it's a nice shinyblue.

But Ruger does such a great job making them look like brand factory new for such a reasonable price I do have one refinished Ruger SA. Once the collector value is gone anyway, if it's really nasty looking, why not? When they have what's usually called "just enough honest wear" I leave them as is and enjoy the heck out of them guilt free!

 

[rugerguy]

Nothing wrong with having "nice" stuff, when it gets beyond the normal wear (some call character) I believe, in getting the gun 'redone' (please call it a resoration) reblued guns NOT done properly LOOK like they were "reblued" ,if a gun LOOKS reblued, it just ainlt right....as for color case, that is a personal preference, and again, if done RIGHT , ain;t cheap, and it don;t look like a Ruger..just MY .02 cents...............as Hondo noted, the factory does a very decent job, and we know of a few guys who do awesome jobs, the choice is YOURS , don't need other folks to tell YOU what YOU need to have , want, like keep and use...........

 

[varminter22]

I'm certainly no expert on the subject. But I would say reblue - and while you're at it, consider dressing it up some.

This .32 Mag was in "like factory new" condition when I commenced the project:

I do recommend taking the extra time (and perhaps expense) to polish it; will result in a nicer, prettier blue. Type of bluing also affects the final outcome.

This early Lipsey's .44 Special Blackhawk was also factory new condition:

The .44 Special did not receive a polishing job. Although I think it looks good, it isn't a pretty as the polished .32 Mag.

And/or, while you're at it, ya might consider converting it to a .44 Special:

An old model Blackhawk converted to .44 Special is a wonderful thing! Has a superb action/trigger and shoots GREAT.

Again, I'm no expert; not much more "project" experience than what is noted above.

But why not do it? And then enjoy 'em! Shoot the heck out of 'em!

 

[Jeepnik]

Is it a shooter or a safe queen. The former look into some of the newer "coatings". The later just keep it oiled up and in a humidity controlled environment.

 

[Chance]

I have reblued (hot) some of my older beater Rugers and have bought some re-blues along the way. This said my preference is prmarily to leave the older Rugers as is but am not fanatical about it. While I would NEVER reblue, say, an old Flat Top I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if the price was right.

 

[CraigC]

A lot of shooters are very 'weird' about condition and finish. Some think a gun should never be refinished no matter how worn or pitted it is. Some think that beaters are for shooting and "nice" guns are to be stored in a diaper and only looked at periodically. Hogwash on both sides. Very little is sacred to me. It's your gun and your money, make it what you want it to be. Decide what YOU want and then find the right shop to make it so. Life is too short, make it your own.

Once a "beater" that many would've suggested stayed that way, it is now a custom .44Spl and a prized possession.

Once a plain blued Ruger Bisley, now a custom gun with a custom finish and one that is a joy to take afield.

Once a standard Uberti Open Top .44Colt, now one of the jewels of my collection that will ride in a full flap holster during deer season.

 

[Rclark]

If I was going to redo the finish on mine and I had the money... It would be off to get case colored/hardened. If I had my way, all Single Actions should come from the factory with this finish!

 

[single action]

What the heck, this is a devisive as the old .41 mag vs. .44 mag. Here is my humble opinion, I believe as stated above their is a definite difference in the process of re-bluing which can be any schmuck with a polishing wheel and some cold blue and really destroy a gun. A proper re-blue by a qualified individual such as Ruger or many other folks who take care to refinish without destroying the edges and such is a thing of beauty. As long as its is not something to deceive. Though I have noted that some restorations such as Turnbulls or other quality work typically on vintage shotguns does not have the stigma that it would have had 20 years ago, and in fact may add to the value. If a gun is really tired from honest wear and you intend to preserve it for use I would restore it. And I have done that with several heroic restorations on some of my guns. Typically guns that are unusual and rare such as my take down Savage 99 in 22H.P. it sat in a flooded basement and I had it restored to perfection. You do pay though typically for that quality. Thats all I have to say about that matter. Bob