To restore or not to restore?

olopokram

olopokram

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I just picked up a first generation Winchester 1894 in .38-55, 4 digit serial that's in OK condition. The stock has been refinished (possibly replaced) and the bluing is gone. There are a few marks on the barrel, but it's 118 years old, so it's to be expected. The barrel is still in good condition. I can't decide for the life of me if I should clean it up and refinish it or do I just keep it the way it is? I know it's personal preference, but I just want a consensus as to what other people would choose to do? I don't have a lot tied up into the gun, but would like to maintain the original integrity of the gun. Will refinishing add or deter from the value?

Thanks!
 
The stock is already refinished, so the collector value is decreased. Personally I'd refinish it, but I enjoy doing it...
 
If I was planning to keep it forever, I'd restore it.

If I was planning to sell it one day, I'd leave it alone and let the next guy decide what he's going to do with it.
 
restore.
personally i think collector stuff is a bunch of rubash. but thats me.

the question you must ask is ..

What would i feel most proud to carry? a worn out gun that you need to explain to people why it is the way it is OR explain the history to the great looking rifle when people ask ..
 
I'm almost tempted to refinish the stock since its already been touched and leave the barrel, mag tube and receiver in the original condition?
 
Pictures would really help.

I don't understand the "leave it alone" mantra around older guns. If it is rare or in much better than usual condition then yes, leave it alone but if its a shooter grade and you want to restore it...go right ahead! Might actually help the value.

Check out Turnbull Restorations for great examples.
 
Read somewhere that high end English sporting arms were refinished often.
We seem to be funny about that; maybe because we don't have as much history as the British.
If the seal has been broken, sure, refinish it. If it can be done well of course
 
Beaver Skin said:
Pictures would really help.

I don't understand the "leave it alone" mantra around older guns. If it is rare or in much better than usual condition then yes, leave it alone but if its a shooter grade and you want to restore it...go right ahead! Might actually help the value.

Check out Turnbull Restorations for great examples.
Click to expand...

I'll try and post some half decent pictures. The closer I look at it, the forearm looks like it's been sanded and varnished and the stock looks like it's been replaced. So collector value in terms of originality is out the window, but you can't take away 118 years of history either. I've thought about Turnbull, but I'm quite sure I'd never get the money back that I'd invest into the restoration. As always, the value is in the eye of the beholder I guess :)
 
I'm not going to say yes or no here, as it is your gun. I will say that "collector value" is not "rubash". I have been buying guns for 50 years now, and have managed to gather some rather neat stuff. I am not a nit picky collector who criticizes other peoples' collection tastes.

I have some rifles that I won't sell, period, and whether anybody else sees the value is not important to me. I do appreciate seeing what others collect, whatever it may be.

Years and years ago, I hacked the stock and had a scope mounted on a nice Czech Mauser, and have regretted doing so. Luckily, I bought two, so I still have one nice one.

I think some of us get a little skittish at the word "refinish", as we have seen some pretty crude work - sidegrinders on the stock, ugly varnish on a nice stock, etc.

Treasure your old rifle, and don't spend too much time worrying about what others may think. :)
 
Restore the wood but leave the original bluing. That's one option.

Was the stock re done well? With the correct materials?
I've seen varithane over top of BLO....peel city with time.
 
Hey I have a 1894 38-55 it was my dads moose gun. Many years ago. I think it's in great shape. But its still probably only with $1000. To me it's priceless and will be passed on to my son. However it is a great gun and fun to shoot. They don't make em like this anymore!!
I would say this if it's not worth an incredible amount of money and already refinished do whatever you'd like. Refinish it if you want. it will probably look great when your done.
The bluing on mine is really good and the receiver is getting a little patina to it. I still think she looks real pretty. Here's a couple pics of mine.

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Lobster_pot said:
Hey I have a 1894 38-55 it was my dads moose gun. Many years ago. I think it's in great shape. But its still probably only with $1000. To me it's priceless and will be passed on to my son. However it is a great gun and fun to shoot. They don't make em like this anymore!!
I would say this if it's not worth an incredible amount of money and already refinished do whatever you'd like. Refinish it if you want. it will probably look great when your done.
The bluing on mine is really good and the receiver is getting a little patina to it. I still think she looks real pretty. Here's a couple pics of mine.
Click to expand...

That turned out great! Did you have it done by someone or did you do it yourself?
 
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