Rifles "in the white"

[Phaethon]

How do you guys feel about buying old rifles with metal in the white? I used to always think that it meant they were in bad condition or not entirely safe to fire, but now that I look at more old Mausers turning up with whited metal, I think it actually makes them look quite distinctive and attractive. I recall letting an old 1916 Spandau manufactured Gewehr 98 get away from me because I didn't like the lack of bluing, but now I'm beginning to regret that decision.

I guess the only problem would be that you'd have to keep them pretty well oiled all of the time.

 

[dirtyjim]

on some mausers like the argentine 1909 the receiver should be in the white, if its not its been refinished and is worth less money.

 

[BrocLuno]

It's great place for starting a refinish. No hidden wear or cracks, hopefully no rust, the existing finish or lack of one is no deterrent to me

 

[Phaethon]

But being white just indicates that it has no bluing, doesn't it? Couldn't you just strip the bluing off to restore it to original condition without any consequences to the history of the piece?