I'll keep this short: I don't collect guns. They are tools and toys for me. That being said, I've inherited a few and some have large sentimental value. A friend just had his old shotgun taken to a place that restores them- they pretty much make them brand new again, and make them functional if you so choose. I'll say the before/after was very impressive. My question comes because I know from collecting other things, like guitars, that if you clean and shine up an old one, you can actually ruin its value. Is that the case with guns as well?
Two of said rifles are great great grandfathers that are family heirlooms, he actually made them in the factory. Monetary value = zero. Sentimental value = priceless. I'd like to be able to put these over the mantle and one day pass them down to my sons. Does this type of restoration benefit here? it'd be in better condition to hand down, but the age kind of gives it character too.
The other two are over my mantle now, late 1800's lever action rifles- winchester. Inherited the lot, and one of the two came with explicit instructions that he had never fired and not to do so. I presume its just unsafe due to its age, which makes perfect sense.
So collectors- do you guys restore these things, or whats the appropriate care? I just don't want to make some catastrophic mistake out of ignorance. Thanks for the info
Two of said rifles are great great grandfathers that are family heirlooms, he actually made them in the factory. Monetary value = zero. Sentimental value = priceless. I'd like to be able to put these over the mantle and one day pass them down to my sons. Does this type of restoration benefit here? it'd be in better condition to hand down, but the age kind of gives it character too.
The other two are over my mantle now, late 1800's lever action rifles- winchester. Inherited the lot, and one of the two came with explicit instructions that he had never fired and not to do so. I presume its just unsafe due to its age, which makes perfect sense.
So collectors- do you guys restore these things, or whats the appropriate care? I just don't want to make some catastrophic mistake out of ignorance. Thanks for the info
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