Old Colt 1911...Should I Refurbish

[TheTestPilot]

I have an Colt 1911 Serial 52535, made in 1913 or so...Shoots ok but is tired as you'd guess...More sentimental value than anything else...Thinking of having it refurbished...Is this a good or bad idea value wise?

 

[MICHAEL T]

Bad idea for value sake unless restored by real pro shop Then you will have a lot of money in the restoration. Enjoy it and leave alone.

 

[2RCO]

If it is Blued NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An unmolested gun that is down to bare metal is generally more valuable than one that is expertly restored. If it has been messed with already then maybe.

Post some Pics and we'll let you know exactly what you should do!

PS: Never ask your average gunsmith this question they'll generally tell you to redo it because they make money off of the job. You pay them $400 and they turn an $1,000 gun into a $400 gun. Net loss to you $1,000!

 

[nwilliams]

If it's in original condition then no. Leave it the way it is even if it doesn't win any beauty contests it will maintain it's value because it's original. As soon as it's refinished it looses a lot of it's collectors value.

If you're not interested in a collectors piece then sell it and use the money to buy a nice new 1911. There are many out there that appreciate an old 1911 in original condition and they will pay top dollar for them.

 

[Oro]

Without pictures of it, it's hard to say. If the thing is past collector value - has had alterations already, property stamps removed, etc., then it won't hurt any collector value. Likely won't add any, either. But if aesthetically you like it better then fine.

Another point is that these guns were not heat treated like modern guns, and coupled with the older steel types, they are prone to cracking with repeated firing and regular use. So factor the limited use angle into what it means to you.

 

[kanook]

For the amount to have it refinished you could purchase a "new" or "new to you" firearm.

Another vote to leave it alone.

 

[rondog]

You should only do THIS with it! Hinged front shadowbox from Hobby Lobby. Do it right, and you can still take the pistol out to put it in your safe.