[Blade37db]

For a re-blue/refinish?
If so, how was the work they did and was the cost reasonable?
Just wondering.
Thanks.

 

[A1A]

There is a post somewhere back. I'll seeif I can find it. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Here's a lead. http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=15086&an=0&page=21#15086
And more on that story.http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=17723&an=0&page=12#17723
But I believe this was the one I was thinking of.
http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=19266&an=0&page=7#19266
Good luck.

 

[Blade37db]

A1A, thanks for taking the time to find those threads.
Looks like there are arguments for both sides.
I guess the question I have is: while it seems to make no sense to re-blue a used gun, would re-bluing an unfired, in box gun reduce its value?

 

[icdux1]

best i remember a factory reblue is 225 plus ship, if you have a nib gun with a cosmetic defect you might just sell it to someone for a shooter and use the money plus the 225 you save and buy a better condition gun.

 

[A1A]

I presume you are talking about your NIB 3rd issue DS. What did you end up doing to it so far and what would be your current description of the "rust"? I understand the temptation, but it doesn't seem rebluing would be economically sound and would reduce the "value" even though the DS is not a big dollar collectible in the strictest sense. If you are/were going to shoot it anyway, then the NIB aspect for you is that it is unfired and therefore unworn and has a lot of shooting left in it, so to speak. So, if you ARE going to shoot it and just want a flawless finish, why not get it hard chromed or something really special and durable and unique for the money? If you want a collectible safe queen, you probably need to get a different gun by selling/trading as icdux says. JMHO /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Blade37db]

As always, I appreciate the advice.
I did use the mineral spirits and most (not all) of the reddish tint came off so I assume it was the cosmoline, but I'm still not 100% sure. I also noticed that when I compare the bluing on this gun (NIB made around 1981) to the shooter I bought a few months ago (made around 1974), there really is no comparison, especially on the barrel. The barrel on the 1981 editon doesn't have the shine the other one does (no matter how much cleaning) and it also has some fine streaks (almost looks like fine brush marks) in the bluing on the barrel.
That's why I was inquiring about refinishing it. I really love the bluing on the 1974 edition and wanted to see if I could get the NIB one to look the same.
But if it is going to diminish the value, then there is no sense putting more money into it.
Thanks!

 

[A1A]

One more suggestion and there is at least one other recent topic about this. I have a blued more recent NIB where the barrel was noticeably duller than the rest. A LIGHT polishing with Flitz made it shine nicely and match perfectly. It would require a litle degreasing first if you have subsequently lubed. If you read the other thread you can get the pros and cons. I will look back for it in case the actual title is not obvious - I don't recall off hand. As always, caveat emptor. If you like, I could try a photo of the results, but that is not always a real good indication. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Here it is:http://www.coltforum.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=20320&an=0&page=3#20320

 

[Blade37db]

Thanks again A1A!
I'll look around for the Flitz Gun Wax and give it a shot.
I'll probably try it under the grip first as a precaution to see how it goes. If that works out, I'll go for the barrel.

 

[A1A]

It's the polish in the tube you're looking for and go lightly. Ace Hardware is a potentially convenient source. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif