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to blue or not to blue

godsbug
I have an Albanian SKS with matching numbers and have been told it is something of a collectible item. However, the blueing is wearing thin and I'm wondering if having the gun reblued would drop it's value. It's something I'll be keeping for the forseeable future and I'm going to be using as I don't believe in having something that I won't use.
What do you think?
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • Der Gebirgsjager
    I'll start my answer with the disclaimer that I'm an almost retired gunsmith who's business consisted of about 80% bluing work. I'm kind of known for my anti-collector, rogue opinion that if you don't like the way it looks, reblue it; because you're the guy that has to live with it! So, take this for what it's worth. The collectors don't like their toys refinished, but I can't imagine any SKS being considered a collector's item. True, far fewer Albanian SKS rifles have been imported than other varieties, but they aren't really rare; and I'll bet that there's a whole lot more where those came from. Reblue it![:D]
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  • CS8161
    I agree with Henry, its a utilitarian type firearm, designed to be carried and abused, why worry if it looks pretty? Plus the blueing will cost almost as much as what the rifle is worth.
    By the way, welcome to the Gunbroker forums!
    Chris8161
    Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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  • godsbug
    Well I'm planning on making a new stock for it out of a hardwood I have from Indonesia. Beautiful wood. It's more valuable than the gun, but I have a ton of it laying around and I can't stand the stock it came with. So I guess I won't feel bad about re-bluing it, I like my stuff to look good. Thanks for the input! And thanks for the welcome.
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  • Madman
    Hey Bud;

    I agree with Der Gebrgsjager as I am a Gunsmith too and love to upgrade and restore something that needs restoration or clean up. Never did an SKS, but I feel like Henry it is to be used and abused by somebody other than me...give me my M1A Springfield.So go for it...

    Hey if you have so much left over hard wood, wanna send some my way?
    HDGuns@aol.com
    Harley
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  • godsbug
    An M1A is on my list, but I can't afford one yet. An SKS I can afford, and it is a lot of fun to plink with. Maybe trade some wood for one?[;)]
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  • Der Gebirgsjager
    Well, just so you don't feel strange or something, I've got a Chinese SKS sporter on the back burner waiting for a little spare time to finish the project. I bought a 90% inletted walnut stock with some nice figure and an Old English rifle pad already installed from Great American Gunstock Co. Probably would have finished it, but the gas tube walked off with some Colt grips, all on the same day. Anyway, it promises to be a handy little thing. Will have a flush 5-round magazine.[:)]
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