Antique Rifle Restoration

[812scottj]

I have a 1968 Belgian Browning Safari in 30-60. I had it hanging on the wall in my basement for a while, but I recently decided to restore it. A local gunsmith refinished the stock (turned out great) and polished the bolt.

This week, I sent it off to Midwest Gun Works to have the barrel reblued and the trigger guard/mag plate refinished (including the gold inlay in the engraving).
Anybody here able to do this kind of work? I wish I could, but I have to hire it all out.

 

[80 Proof]

I've blued rifle barrels, it's not that hard. You just have to be meticulous with the prep work and careful with the acid.

I'm going to build a flintlock Kentucky long rifle this winter. Plan to brown the barrel on this one, which is a new process for me.

 

[Hank Camacho_rivals115797]

Any time I've ever tried amateur gunsmithing, I've screwed something up. I'd say leaving it up to experts seems like a pretty smart play, imo.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I have looked into it with a few pieces of mine but we’re told that it would devalue them. I still wonder though.

 

[sefleming]

On the PAwn Stars show on History channel they say old guns 1898 and before have more value if left in orginial condition.

 

[BlueRaider22]

On the PAwn Stars show on History channel they say old guns 1898 and before have more value if left in orginial condition.

I have a pistol that's dated in the 1920's.....and a shotgun that's dated from the 1930's. Both are in good condition, but obviously show some wear for being 100 yrs old. I was told by several dealers, collectors, and restorers that it would lower their value.........or at the very least not be worth the restoration. I'm sure there are exceptions though.

I did think about restoring the pistol though. It's not worth a ton to begin with, the restoration would not be too expensive, and I keep it more for sentimental value rather than monetary.

 

[John Henry]

I always enjoy a good discussion of antique firearms and weapons. I have several including a 1917 German Luger 9mm captured during WWII. Included are the Orders from the Headquarters United States Forces European Theater allowing Private Samuel Boyd to bring it back to the States. Dated October 1, 1945. The pistol is all original and has not been refinished, etc. It comes with the holster which has the German Colonel's address inside. The pistol and magazine have matching numbers.

I also have two Confederate .58 caliber rifles, Cook & Brother that are dated 1864 from the Athens, GA arsenal. Here are some photos of the German firearm

 

[812scottj]

I agree it’s best not to restore most of the time, but this Browning has so much potential I can’t resist.

impressive collection Sawnee Cat! My oldest piece is a Springfield 1823

 

[BlueRaider22]

I always enjoy a good discussion of antique firearms and weapons. I have several including a 1917 German Luger 9mm captured during WWII. Included are the Orders from the Headquarters United States Forces European Theater allowing Private Samuel Boyd to bring it back to the States. Dated October 1, 1945. The pistol is all original and has not been refinished, etc. It comes with the holster which has the German Colonel's address inside. The pistol and magazine have matching numbers.

I also have two Confederate .58 caliber rifles, Cook & Brother that are dated 1864 from the Athens, GA arsenal. Here are some photos of the German firearm

Fantastic. I would love to collect more than I do. Maybe one day I'll get more into it. My targets would be the main rifles of the World Wars......then, perhaps the Old West.

 

[vhcat70]

I also have two Confederate .58 caliber rifles, Cook & Brother that are dated 1864 from the Athens, GA arsenal. Here are some photos of the German firearm

Cool. Those are worth a pretty penny as I'm sure you know. Someone could retire on their values.

 

[1977 Cat]

I've blued rifle barrels, it's not that hard. You just have to be meticulous with the prep work and careful with the acid.

I'm going to build a flintlock Kentucky long rifle this winter. Plan to brown the barrel on this one, which is a new process for me.

Had a client who recently passed away who was a member of the Kentucky Long Rifle team. He was a dermatologist who also taught in UK medical school. He loved old guns and started building his own black powder rifles. He absolutely loved it.

 

[mrhotdice]

I’ve got a pistol my daddy got off a Jap he killed, sorry Asian person and a bag of gold teeth from the same. Iwo Jima Marine.