Refinishing My Grandfathers M10

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I am thinking about sending this to Ford or back to S&W. This model was made in 1968. I do not care about the resale value as it will continue to remain in my family. I just got it from my mother who had it in a foam box for 12 years and never took it out to rub it down or anything. I also got his Ruger Mark II target that has a little pitting on the frame and barrel, I will be posting a picture of it in the auto forum with the same question. I am sure if my grandpa could see this he would probably faint at the site of it. The spots along the barrel is actually spots where the bluing has worn off and not pitting.

I have fired it and it is nice and sound, locks up very tight and shoots nice groups.

My question to you all is it worth sending in for a refinishing or is it to far gone?

If you were in this situation whom would you send it to?

 

[Landpimp]

as it was your grandfathers gun......I would leave it just like it is.

 

[conhntr]

my brother got our pappy's coveted 1894. when he said he was going to get it refinished i was pissed! but he had turnbul do it and once i saw the product... wow!

to me for sentimental value its the difference between a picture of granddad when he was 50 in his prime, or 90 in ICU.

collectors value is a different issue of course

 

[4v50 Gary]

Have your mom write a letter stating that it belonged to your grandfather. You've got to establish provenance for your son's son.

 

[SGW42]

S&W will make it look brand new for ~$200 in two months. You can look for my thread here for the full experience.

Then again mine was bought used and the the previous owner abused it. If it was an heirloom with honest wear like that I dunno what I'd do.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

If you're thinking of selling it in the future, then do nothing. If you want it as a shooter as you stated, then get it done. I would go to S&W for the reblue as they are reasonable for the excelent job they turn out. Yes Doug Turnbul could do it, but it isn't a case for a restoration, they still make the gun and replacement parts are all over the place for those who take the time to look. You could pick up a set of takeoff grips that are like new for a $50 or less.

 

[sgt127]

....to me for sentimental value its the difference between a picture of granddad when he was 50 in his prime, or 90 in ICU

Thats a pretty good way of looking at things. Grandpa did not put that rust on the gun. It seems he took pretty good care of it. The rust does not reflect his use of the gun. That rust showed up from not being properly cared for after he was gone. Lets be honest, its a used model 10. As far as real value as a collectible, its pretty low. It's value as grandpa's gun, now gone, and as a family heirloom, a dollar value can't be placed on it. Get it refinished so it looks like it did when grandpa picked it up, regain the pride he felt when he first bought it.

And, no, unless the other side is horribly pitted or something, I'll bet Smith can make it look like new again, it is NOT too dar gone. Just make sure you specify that you want a polished, original finish. I have seen alot with a glass bead blast satin factory refinish. Certainly a practical finish, but, innapropriate for that gun and era.