All,
I've come into possession of a Colt M1911 (made in 1918), that appears to have some new parts over the years (barrel, slide) and a receiver that has some corrosion on it. Basically, the gun has most of its finish worn off. When I talked to an appraiser, he said it should be considered a "shooter", with little collectible value. My questions are a) should I leave it "as is" and use it as a shooter or b) refinish it either by parkerizing it or having it Gun-koted? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated - especially from those that have had a pretty beat-up firearm refinished.
Thanks in advance!
I've come into possession of a Colt M1911 (made in 1918), that appears to have some new parts over the years (barrel, slide) and a receiver that has some corrosion on it. Basically, the gun has most of its finish worn off. When I talked to an appraiser, he said it should be considered a "shooter", with little collectible value. My questions are a) should I leave it "as is" and use it as a shooter or b) refinish it either by parkerizing it or having it Gun-koted? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated - especially from those that have had a pretty beat-up firearm refinished.
Thanks in advance!