gun restoration

[TWS]

I have an old l.c. smith double barrel 12 guage. It was heavily used back in the day, the serial # says it was made in 1909. I was wondering if i had it professionally restored if it would increase the value or hurt it?

 

[stockmaker]

It will be worth more if kept original. The down side is sometimes restoring it is the only way to preserve it.

 

[Dr.Midnight]

If it's something that you're looking at as an investment, then keeping it original would be the best thing. If it's a gun that is a treasured heirloom that you don't ever see leaving the family, go for it if you want to see it like new.

 

[TWS]

Thanks guys! Its not a treasured heirloom. I got it in a trade several years ago, was thinking of doing something with it, but dont want to mess with a gun that is 103 yrs old. I will probably just keep it in the safe till the right person comes along wanting it.

 

[SigTom]

My uncle owned an original 1892 French revolver. I looked up what was the best thing to do and after talking to professionals, they said to oil it, but don't restore it. The value is left in its age. I wouldn't oppose going over it with a high grit sandpaper (3000) but I would in no shape change it if it wasn't rusting. If it is rusting, I'd take it to a local gun shop and seek for a professional opinion and try making the appropriate decisions from there.