Thinking of perhaps refinishing a rifle...

jonyork

jonyork

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As the title says, I am thinking of attempting to refinish either an sks, mosin or svt-40.

what are your thoughts? I really like that they are a piece of history, but how much value would they lose if refinished? They are already refurbished, so not really "collectors" items are they?

Realistically, I wish to remove the stain/finish already on them, get rid of the dings and dents that were there when I got them, and reapply, maybe get rid of some of the stamps on them from refurbishing.

Thoughts?
 
what would you guys consider poor condition? What if it was to bring back to standard spec before refurb? or is that still considered bubba'd?
 
jonyork said:
what would you guys consider poor condition? What if it was to bring back to standard spec before refurb? or is that still considered bubba'd?
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You can't bring it back to spec before refurb. The refurb sks's were refurbed at the original arsenals. Those refurbs were brought back to "Spec". They are in better shape most of the time than an unrefurb. But they are not what collectors are looking for. What is your motive for doing it? To pass off a refurb as a unrefurb? or as an as issued. Any collector will spot your work right away and it will go from refurb to bubba grade. If you are modding or refinishing for your own use that's great. Have at it. But if you want it to be something it isn't you won't be able. A refurb has not alot of collector value anyway. It is a shooter.
 
ljones said:
A refurb has not alot of collector value anyway. It is a shooter.
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I wouldn't say that, there are guys willing to pay $1000 for a refurb 45 svt. If as a collector one is searching for "non refurb" soviet arms other than the sks, you had better have a time machine or settle for a tiny collection.
 
Go for it. These old rifles look great when the finish is redone if you take your time and do it proper.

Just remember, these are glorious Soviet weapons of a time past, if you're going to refinish, do it justice.
 
it would not be to pass it off as anything, I never intend to sell any rifles, as really, these were my first "shooters". Since they don't have much value to them as they are refurbs, I could go ahead and make it a showpiece if you will. Do it justice and make it look wonderful.
 
Well if you don't intend to sell them, value doesn't matter much. The old strip sand & oil thing has been done to death & usually makes the stock look melted. Want to see some serious shine? Don't sand anything, shellac the stock using multiple coats sanding with fine scotch brite or wool between coats & polish the last coat. The finish will look a mile deep & highlight any stamps on the stock.
 
jonyork said:
it would not be to pass it off as anything, I never intend to sell any rifles, as really, these were my first "shooters". Since they don't have much value to them as they are refurbs, I could go ahead and make it a showpiece if you will. Do it justice and make it look wonderful.
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It's YOUR rifle, none of them are "rare", take the time to do with as you please. I have refinished a few older "worthless" rifles that needed some love (no milsurps) and I found it to be quite enjoyable. Lots of learning to do but some great online resources. If you don't plan on selling them, then I say go for it. Nice thing about wood stocks, don't like the finished product you can always start again.
cheers
 
Just buy an old stock off the EE and refinish that stock, and keep all your original parts, so you can return it back, with out hurting and of the collectors value.
 
Do what you want, unless you buy to resale, no one should care but you, what you want to do to your own property, paint the whole thing purple if you want, if it makes you happy I say go for it, who cares what other people think.
 
Just do it, it's fun and the end product will make you proud. If you plan on keeping them then show them some love. If the sks is a refurb, do it first.
 
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