bad news/good news/bad news

[velvethunter]

Bad news - My uncle passed away

Good news - He left me a bunch of firearms. Lots of nice stuff, including a colt python, which is something I always wanted, but had trouble justifying a $1,000+ revolver that I have no actual need for.

Bad news - The guns are all in good shape except the python. It is Royal blue finish, but has some surface rust in spots. Mechanically and barrel wise it is great. The rust is not deep so as to affect the integrity of the steel by any means, but it is through the blueing. What are my options to get it cleaned up? I'm not really worried about affecting the value, since... A)the rust has already affected the value, and B)I would never sell any guns handed down to me.

 

[Sam1911]

The Python is one gun that derives a distinct part of its value from its celebrated magnificent finish. I'd say it is worth sending it to someone capable of actually restoring that finish to as good or better than factory condition. There are few repairs that can improve the value of a firearm above what it would have been in good but unaltered condition. A truely masterful finish is one.

Consider sending it to Colt themselves.

Or Turnbull's who might actually be better that Colt, or Ford's who are also well spoken of.

 

[velvethunter]

Thanks, sounds like that may be the way to go in this case.

 

[dfariswheel]

The Pythons that Colt is refinishing are coming back looking like brand new.
They even offer restoring the stampings if they're thin.