tu-90 to modify or not to modify

[natman1001]

Hi all. Ill get right to the point. I just bought, for $160, a tu-90 in the box with cleaning tool, extra mag and 9mm conversion barrle. I have several questions.

First: is this worth more than I paid for it?
Second: I am not sure that it has ever been fired. Is there any reliable way to tell if it has been fired? (the coating is barely worn off where the slide contacts the hammer but I have been playing with it all day.)
Third: I would like to do a little "work" to it. Would it be devalued at that point being altered from original.

Also I have done enough reading on these to know I wanted one but I am not to framiliar otherwise so any new owner tips folks could throw in would be appreciated. Thanks for any help.

 

[Devonai]

Welcome to The High Road!

Are you talking about one of these?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_54_pistol

 

[natman1001]

Yes, mine is simalar. The grips are a little different but for all intents and purposes it is the same.

 

[MikeJackmin]

I thing you got a good deal. No harm in modding it, it's not a collectors piece. Shoot it for a while before you make any changes, every gun has little quirks and sometimes they grow on you.

 

[BHP FAN]

That's pretty near perfection already. I'm a HUGE Tokarev fan.

 

[firesky101]

You could easily get half your investment back selling the 9mm barrel and link.

 

[mgmorden]

1. Yes, it's worth a little more. In the $225 to $275 range.

2. Not really. A lot of guns still look pretty darned good after a lot of rounds. Treatment more than firing wears a gun. All used guns - no matter how good of shape - should be assumed to be fired unless the known history of the gun proves otherwise.

3. Yes, it would be devalued, but the value isn't that high to begin with. That said, there's not a whole lot of useful modifications to be done to this gun. I personally wouldn't recommend getting stuck into a mindset where every gun you own has to be "modded" just for the sake of doing so. If you have a legitimate concern that needs to be addressed then do so, but unless there's a problem don't touch it. Regardless, if it involves a Dremel then just don't do it .

 

[natman1001]

Thanks alot for all the info. Much good advise was given so thanks. I hate seeing the value of somthing destroyed. To me it is wastefull and careless. Now that I know I wont be guilty of that, (unpacks dremel ) I have a mental disorder when it comes to modifying things. Nothing I own stock. I have a passion for making things better. I have the skill and a dremel so why not? I am already in the process of making new grips for it. I am shooting for somthing simalar to Houge overmolded grips with finger grooves but with a cz75 style back strap. We will see how they turn out. I still havnt shot it, I cant find any ammo localy. I cant wait to shoot it. Mabe on Thanksgiving.