Collecting older firearms with condition and finish issues

[swim615]

I have been getting into older firearms. Most from 1960 to 1985, so not really C&R but I am working my back. All will be shooters for me. I seem to run into problems with finish, condition, and some with worn parts that need to be repaired. Is it just expected to run into these problems on a regular basis with older firearms. Should I have them refinished or try it myself? What does everyone else with more experience do? They all seem to carry some type of premium on prices even with condition problems. If one of my Glocks had these type of problems and I decide to sale it the value would be greatly lower.

[xd shooter]

Me I would say as far as the function of parts, get them repaired but I like guns with some character to them.

 

Now don't get me wrong, if I get one that has been Bubba'd then it needs to be brought back to an original type condition.

 

But that's just me.

Edited January 11, 2014 by xd shooter

[gregintenn]

Paying more and getting like new condition will pay dividends in the long run if you are collecting. If you are buying them to use, only you can decide how poor a condition you can live with.

[NRA]

I agree with the Bubba comment they need to be saved.  I would look around on milsurp forums to find rifles in as original condition as possible.  I think matching is key.  Know what you are looking at before you buy it, ask questions, study up.  Remember the worst thing you can do to an old milsurp firearm is to "restore" it.

[1gewehr]

You don't mention what KIND of firearms these are.  A pretty Colt Python with timing issues is still a $900 gun.  Grand-daddy's rusty Western Field bolt-action .22 missing the magazine and front sight with stock broken at the wrist and a badly leaded bore is over-priced at $50.

 

Condition matters a LOT!  If it appears to be unsafe to shoot, I usually won't buy it at any price unless I need the good parts.  And usually, any firearm that has visible problems usually has worse ones waiting for you to discover when you do a thorough inspection.

[gun sane]

I just sold a Colt Detective Special today that a collector would have turned his nose up at, but the finish was decent enough to get a good price.  If you can shoot the heck out of them and still make a profit on re-sale, you're doing good. 

[swim615]

You don't mention what KIND of firearms these are.  A pretty Colt Python with timing issues is still a $900 gun.  Grand-daddy's rusty Western Field bolt-action .22 missing the magazine and front sight with stock broken at the wrist and a badly leaded bore is over-priced at $50.

 

Condition matters a LOT!  If it appears to be unsafe to shoot, I usually won't buy it at any price unless I need the good parts.  And usually, any firearm that has visible problems usually has worse ones waiting for you to discover when you do a thorough inspection.

I have been into 357 revolvers S&W, Colt, and lever action Marlins. They are what I would consider collectable shooter. But a true collector for investment purposes would not be interested in the shooters I can afford.

[swim615]

I just sold a Colt Detective Special today that a collector would have turned his nose up at, but the finish was decent enough to get a good price.  If you can shoot the heck out of them and still make a profit on re-sale, you're doing good. 

I like to trade or buy and sale so I can try lots of different firearms. It is always nice to use a pistol for a few months or year and if I don't like it be able to sale it for the same as I paid or trade for something I haven't tried or think I will like more.

[No_0ne]

Guns, like cars and many other things, go through a period of depreciation, then appreciation as the vagaries of time make then rarer or more desirable.  Even in the relatively short span of time you mentioned, some firearms have achieved collectible status, as many of these items have disappeared over the years, the law of supply and demand has increased prices.  You are the ultimate arbiter of the amount you are willing to spend to get the gun you want, and guns that can be traded or sold easily tend to bring higher premiums over the less desirable ones. 

[runco]

If you are going to be last owner of these items, do with them what you wish that makes you happy!  However, if you will someday bring these items to the market, you will have to determine which market you are going to sell to.  If the market is for real collectors, then do not refinish them whatsoever.  If the market is for the amateur gun collector, then definitely put makeup on it and move it.   Just my 2 cents.

[Jonnin]

I have, and have had, a number of 60's and 70s guns and few problems actually.  I consider the 60s to have been a golden age of firearms -- the name brand items were well made indeed.  But the offbrands, brands that are so long gone you have never even heard of them .... some are gems and some are junk.  

 

A lot of it depends on the previous owner, though.  If abused or worn out or poorly stored, they will have problems.  If hardly shot and lovingly stored and cared for, they will be like new.   Its not a question we can answer in general.  

 

Price is determined by the market, of course.  A 1 of 250 made and 1 of 20 surviving guns with rust holes you can see through and missing a hammer is still worth a lot more than a glock that was made last week with a broken extractor.   Then again, if its one of the 100000000000000000 browning shotguns made from 1900 to 2000, and it looks like it spent the last 50 years being dragged behind a truck, paying a premium is probably foolish.    which leads me to say...

 

research first, buy later.  figure out if its a collector's item, or just a shooter.   Look towards the shooters -- many are just a couple hundred bucks or even less, as they made tons of them and most are still out there, in fine condition, etc.   Buy from a place that has a return policy if the gun is not functional, OR allows you to test fire it, or something.   Learn what to look for in the model you seek --- common things that break or wear out, for example.  

 

What gets people into trouble is buying from an individual "as-is" some gun they they know nothing about (price? rare? age? was it considered junk even back when it was new?, or good stuff? ... etc) , going into it feet first without any research or knowledge.   These days, it pays to at least haul a portable web enabled device so you can step back, read up for 10 min, and have at least a quick idea about what you are looking at....!!