reblueing old gun
I've got a problem I can't decide if I should get this gun reblued.It's a old win 97. The gun is in real good condition not pitted or rusted.I want to keep it and also would like to shoot it once in awhile.I've been told a gun will lose value if it's been reblued.My question is how much value will it lose if the gun is valued at around 800.00 in It's present condition. I'am not a collector,but have several firearms and I like the look's of blue steel and fine wood. thank's for any information on this.
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You will get mixed replies on this, Some say yes and some will say no. I bought one for $350.00 and had it re-blued by a smith and a new front sight hood and rear ramp installed also for $100.00. I sold it a couple of weeks ago for $630.00.[:0] It's your gun, do what you want to it...
"I AM MY OWN WORST ENEMY"0 -
Hello boltaction,
I would be one of the folks that would say DON"T re-blue. An old 97 should look kind of "silvery" it is part of the charm of old Winchesters. To me, it would not increase the value and I would not consider it for my collection.
Just my 2 cents.
Taperloc.0 -
I agree you will get mixed opinions. I have an 1886 Win. and a 1895 Win. I had them both reblued about 15 years ago. 
81st FA BN WWII...Thanks Dad
U!S!A! ALL THE WAY!!0 -
You have asked a good question. Just reblueing the gun, I would say no. Almost all the gunsmiths hot blue, Winchester used several blueing processes, the barrels were rust blued, and the receivers were hot blued. That's the big reason you see so many old Winchesters where the barrel looks good and the rest of the gun is silvery.
Think of a classic car, just throwing a paint job on it doesn't mean it's restored.
About 3/4s of the Md 97 made are Nickel Steel, and there is a trick to hot blueing it, or you will end up with one that has a purple or redish hue to it. Most gunsmiths use a polishing wheel, to prep the metal before blue. Some are quite good, others aren't.
If you opt to have the gun restored, that's where they tear it down, inspect the internal parts and replace/rebuild worn parts. Hand polish the exterior of the gun, use soap stone in all the stamping to keep it clear and readable. Rust blue the barrel, hot blue the balance like Winchester did it. Clean and reoil the stocks. Then that would be something to consider. It's also expensive. I've seen a lot of Winchesters that have been reblued, I wont buy those, I've seen a few that have been restored, those I will look at closely and most likely buy, if I just got to have it.
If you want the web sit of one of the best Winchester gunsmiths, who restores them, and is a former employee who worked in the Winchester Custom Shop, email me. Don't just reblue it. Regards Dave0 -
Unless your viewing this rifle as an investment and banking on a future sale to bring in some return then blueing it is strictly a matter of how you feel about it. If you'd like it better reblued, do it.
You say you use it so I suspect "investment" isn't your prime motivation, and you just don't want to totally ruin the value of the rifle.
Post above covers the pitfalls of bluing so I won't plow that ground. Just make sure you have a competent person do it.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
to bring $800 it has to be almost new, around here a silver/brown '97 will only bring $350 if its fairly tight. i've done several '97's in the last couple of years for cowboy action shooters and bobing the barrel/win. chokes/and a good reblue (keeping the lettering/edges sharp) will run about $250. i've never have the '97's take a redish tinge like a m-12 can. 0
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