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To re-blue or not to re-blue, that is the question

BoomerangBoomerang Member Posts: 4,513
edited August 2002 in General Discussion
I know I am going to get some heat on this, but this is the way I see the re-blueing issue.

If you have a handgun that is not a collectable, in other words a shooter, that you like and it shoots well; but the finish is worn to the point where rust is becoming a reoccurring nuisance, then I would say have it professionally (factory) re-blued.

Again please remember, this is a gun that is only a nice shooter and has no potential as a collectable. The way I see it, you are doing it a service by re-blueing it. It is an issue of respect for the craftsmanship of the gun. The guns I would only consider doing this for are the Colts and S&Ws. Ruger handguns just do not blue well. Sorry all you Ruger fans.

I would really like to know if I am in a dream world all by myself or if I am on target at all.

Boomer

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as it is by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed."NRA Life Member
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Comments

  • HAIRYHAIRY Member Posts: 23,606
    edited November -1
    In my very humble opinion, an old friend as you describe is like a wife--every once in a while she needs some new clothes, shoes, purse, etc., just to keep her looking pretty.

    It's not what you know that gets you in trouble, it's what you know that just ain't so!
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  • snarlgardsnarlgard Member Posts: 1,310 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree if the gun is a shooter why not reblue if needed
    not re blueing would be like not cleaning it when it is needed

    SMILE...MAKE EM WONDER WHAT YOUR UP TO
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Given enough time everything becomes collectible. Sort of the same situation with antique cars....do you restore to original specs or turn it into a street rod and possibly loose it's "original identity"? In the car world, I've found that in a "QUALITY" restoration or street rod conversion, the value will be equivalant or greater than an "original" restoration. To some extent, the same holds true on firearms...people that have had quality engraving done on guns rarely hurt the value.....exceptions would be rare or low production number guns. Re-bluing isn't for every gun...castration would be appropriate for anyone rebluing a Colt SAA.....of course a can of black Krylon spray paint might be suitable for a Ruger ...stir....stir....stir....
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  • 218Beekeep218Beekeep Member Posts: 3,033
    edited November -1
    It depends on which gun it is,I like for a lot of my guns to look as old as they are.

    Keeps me from lookin` like a yuppie snob!

    .218
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Blue it but find someone who it not going to dish the flats, round the sharp corners (and sights) or wash out the markings when the pistol is polished.
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  • CWatsonCWatson Member Posts: 964 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Reblue it.I had a Taurus that had the finished damaged by fire and water.The smith I used here in Los Angeles kept it for a couple of months.I had to check the numbers to make sure it wasn't a new gun.CW

    1.A near miss is still a miss!
    2.Before I got married I spent half my money on women and guns,THE REST I WASTED!
    3.Wasn't me!
    4.KILL EM' ALL AND LET ALLAH SORT EM' OUT!
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  • TazmuttTazmutt Member Posts: 862 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I say reblue if you want. If it is a "non-collectable" gun at this point, you won't detract from the value. If it is one that at some point down the road "becomes" collectible, the old (if well done) reblue probably won't make much difference.

    Rembrandt - You may have noticed that all the intelligent gun people a.k.a. Ruger Collectors, are choosing to ignore your stirring ladle
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Tazmutt, I tried to pull a Dano and stir the pot....I must have used the wrong spoon?....

    Edited by - Rembrandt on 08/27/2002 23:02:01
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  • RembrandtRembrandt Member Posts: 4,486 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    ...seriously now, is the reason Rugers don't blue well because of the investment casting of their frames?
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  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427 ✭
    edited November -1
    If you are going to reblue.. why not use Blue Wonder?... it does a fantastic job..and you do it yourself...with loving care... *LOL


    Lil' Stinker's Opinion
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought a Franchi Shotgun, LNIB from the '60's. It had fixed chokes that were not useful in upland shooting. It is not a collector shotgun, so I had Briley lengthing the forcing cones and bore and thread it for screw-in chokes. I figure I enhanced its shooter value, though not by as much as I paid, but then I am going to get some use from it too. If you want to blue it, blue it.

    Rembrandt, the only thing I see wrong with Rugers is their triggers. Well, also most of the semi-auto pistols are flat ugly.

    A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand
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  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ive heard nothing but good about Blue wonder.

    Best!!

    Rugster


    Toujours Pret
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  • kgnovumkgnovum Member Posts: 594 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    BlackRoses - Why didn't I think of that? KG
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  • njretcopnjretcop Member Posts: 7,975
    edited November -1
    I see another member getting a sample in the mail, LOL.

    Charlie

    "It's the stuff dreams are made of Angel"NRA Certified Firearms InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com
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  • njretcopnjretcop Member Posts: 7,975
    edited November -1
    O sorry, forgot the original post, go ahead re-blue it. Re-bluing can only help it from rusting. A GOOD re-bluing job can deduct from the value of an antique, but not enough to keep it from losing all it's value.

    It has more value re-blued than re-rusted, LOL.

    Charlie

    "It's the stuff dreams are made of Angel"NRA Certified Firearms InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com
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  • wundudneewundudnee Member Posts: 6,108 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rembrandt,

    Now don't be dis-sing Rugers, they are a really well made gun and they also give you something to read if the library is closed. [:D)]

    ....................
    AD ASTRA PER ASPERA

    To the stars through difficulties
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