"Re-Blue or not Re-Blue.."

[oldlawdawg]

I'm sure this horse has been kicked to death, please allow me to ask another question pertaining to a COLT factory re-blue- NOTHING ELSE.

I have an older (1974) Python purchased in 1975 by me and carried as my service weapon until the GLOCKs came along. As it stands at this point in time, I would never sell it unless I had to sell my entire collection to pay medical expenses for an unforeseen medical issue. I guess this is where I'd like some help.. Yes, I know a re-blue reduces the value. But from COLT factory, with extra money spent to ensure the roll marks are treated too, just how much could I be hurting myself or the family if they sold it after my demise. NO- I'm not planning on checking out anytime soon!!

My Python has the typical wear marks on the barrel tip, and ring around the cylinder. I put them there, gun was clean when I bought it.

Pretty looking PYTHON vs. Valuable PYTHON?? Looking for the experts out there who may have experienced this. Thank you in advanced for my long winded blah-blah-blah..

[MtnSpur]

It's your baby, what does your GUT tell you? Me? I'd keep her like you made her. Then again......a COLT refinish and rollmarks.....she'll certainly look purdy Aw hell, I'm not much help.

Happy New Year.

Mtn

[oldlawdawg]

Thank you Mtn. That's been my deli-ma Gut vs. purdy... Glad I'm not alone out here.
Leaning towards leaving it alone and hoping the kids can appreciate what it means to have
someday.

[ar15ed]

i would just leave it be.

[mswill]

If you are tallying votes, I vote to leave it exactly as it is. As you state, a refinish will degrade collector value. Since you are not selling it, consider yourself the start of a family heirloom....where the value will be priceless. Somewhere three or four generations down the road, someone will get chills and goose bumps while holding your Python and wonder what stories you could tell about it. That's what I feel holding my grandfathers SAA. To me, a refinish would take the “YOU” out of the gun.

[Oyeboten]

Same/concur with all of the above...leave it be, keep it Oiled, take it out Plinking now and then, or Carry it, and enjoy and appreciate it for what it is, as it is.


mswill said it best - it has 'you' in it...


How many of us ever got to carry a Python in earnest, for duty, till the Blueing was worn?


'Precious'...

[rhmc24]

I don't refinish anything unless it shows major abuse or damage, repairs, pitting, etc.

[CFPython]

I carried a 4" blue Python as a duty revolver as well. It had a lot of finish wear but I would not refinish. A bona fide cop revolver should have some character, not look like a museum piece.

[egg collector]

All those marks, you probably can recall how each one got there. It is your gun, your choice and if you do not sell it, you will have to live with either choice. When ever you let someone look at it, which story do you think will be more rewarding to you to tell.

[Cruiser RN]

I am a charter member of the Colt Reblue Society but this case is different.This gun is the living history of you and your distinguished law enforcement career,therefore it should be left as you have made it.I could only dream of being the reciepient of such a treasure from my relative and would carry it that way in his/her memory......God Bless.....Mike