To blue or not to blue that is the question

[RebBacchus]

I have a 1960 Winchester model 12, 12 gauge featherweight. It is in prime condition but it could use a re-bluing of the barrel. I know that "old model 12" have some value as collectibles. Would Re-bluing reduce the value? I don't collect guns, I only buy to use, but I do collect coins and I've seen the value of too many ruined by people who thought they'd increase the value by "polishing" them. That frequently reduces their value to something close to the value of the metal.

 

[dahermit]

If its a "using gun", then there is no point in spending the money to re-blue it.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Yes-rebluing will destroy any collector value, just like coins.

 

[FrankenMauser]

A 1960 featherweight isn't really on the collectors' radar.

Some guys want them, but not many. Most of the collectors looking for Model 12s are looking for rare configurations in prime condition, and almost exclusively pre-WWII. Those that want a 'featherweight' look for rare configurations of the Model 25 in prime condition (the Model 25 predates the Model 12 featherweight, and the 12 featherweight is just a slightly updated version of the 25).


It's your shotgun. If you want it reblued, then do it.

Personally... I like character. If it isn't a rusty mess, then it's just character.
Every gun tells a story. The more character it has, the better the story usual is.

 

[johnwilliamson062]

It will probably ruin collector value. If you are ruining collector value and want a working gun there are hardier finishes than bluing. Pretty much all of them actually. Hard chrome being my favorite.