When does a collectible become a custom project?

[WestKentucky]

I keep running across guns which were once really nice, but have been damaged in some manner. Barrels cut by hacksaw, significant rust, etc. Sometimes I want to rescue the gun and I have on occasion bought guns that are pretty beat up. I’m considering turning a couple into customs but have reservations about doing so. Neither can ever be returned to original configuration without spending more than they would be worth after the expense. Both have been drilled on, cut on, and in general terms molested pretty bad. They are certainly candidates for customization. What would you all consider the tipping point between a restoration project and a customization project?

 

[Robert]

If it can not be restored to original condition then it is fair game for anything else. Cut and drilled? Absolutely a candidate for a custom job.

 

[AlexanderA]

The time to determine what you're going to do with a gun is before you buy it. Assess the restorability as part of the decision of whether to buy, or not buy.

 

[WestKentucky]

The guns I’m considering were damaged in ways that no matter the effort, the repair will be very noticeable. I am considering doing the work myself on the customization side...if I screw it up then I haven’t really lost much. The guns up for consideration are only moderately collectible anyway.

The time to determine what you're going to do with a gun is before you buy it. Assess the restorability as part of the decision of whether to buy, or not buy.

Agreed, unless it’s one of those situations where you are on the fence of which way to go, or if the price is such that either way you are going to be OK. Such as a 3rd model S&W 38sw with beautiful factory bluing that came disassembled for $100. Couldnt go wrong there, it’s now aesthetically correctly restored but functionally still needs some help (cylinder stop issue). The other guns were thrown in on other deals so they were essentially free.

 

[ontarget]

I think if its already been bubbas project its fair game. Of course even if it hasn't it is yours to do with what you please. We all would like to see the collectables stay collectable but realistically if its already been modified in many cases there is no going back.

 

[BSA1]

"Collectable" is a way overused Internet term that has little meaning. One reads a question about modifying/refinishing the gun and immediately there will be posters warning about ruining it's "collector's value" regardless of the make and model of the gun, it's condition and production numbers.

True collecting is a specialized business/hobby with very specific criteria. There are several things that can make a gun desirable to collector such as who previously owned it, the role it played in history in addition to it's rarity in production numbers.

Do what gives you the most pleasure.

 

[bassjam]

I have an old Marlin 1892 that I have this dilemma with. The gun is original now, but the bore was rusted so bad a lot of the rifling is gone, it actually tumbles bullets now instead of spinning them. So there's times I think that I should put a sleeve in the barrel and enjoy it, and there's other times I think I should just leave it alone and let it collect dust.

 

[FN in MT]

IMHO, after nearly sixty years as a gun nut...Custom generally means; I lose money. With few exceptions.
If the loss of Smithing fees doesn't bother You....Go for it. But if You are buying a junker, investing hundreds in fixing it up....You will rarely if ever get much if any of that money back.

Though I have found rare (today) Colt or S&W revolvers that had been rebarreled, H&T ruined by a Bubba trying to "tune", etc. Replaced parts and then had the original configuration BACK again. BUT...that was when those parts were available and reasonably cheap. Try finding a Python or early S&W barrel , sideplate, or hammer & trigger TODAY.

If it's been modified or molested....I usually steer clear.

 

[Jim Watson]

If you can restore a gun to original configuration by replacing readily available parts, go for it.
If a mung wood stock for a Lower Slobbovian Mauser costs more than a new rifle or if holes have to be plugged and markings recut, forget it.
There are exceptions, Mr Turnbull will tell you that the value of a scarce but rough gun after restoration will be more than the price of the gun plus restoration fees; even though less than an original.

If you can re-Bubba a gun nicer than First Bubba left it and do it at reasonable cost or DIY, fine.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Back when I was young old guns,(and cars), were just "old".
At some point, obviously while I wasn't paying attention they became "vintage" and then "classic/collectible"...
If the guns are worth fixing up and making them usable then go ahead. Heck, it's your stuff.

 

[Archie]

I agree with Robert. If the metal parts have been changed, it's no longer collectable.

There are also old guns so rare, they are of some historical value even if 'fiddled". (I have a Ross rifle which is pretty original except the rear sight has been replace with a horrible leaf mess mounted on the original barrel mount. Still looking for a rear sight.) Sometimes 'rebuilt' is better than nothing.

Last, if the rifle is truly altered and no way to restore or rebuild the poor thing, decide if the result is worth doing. A 1907/15 Berthier rifle in the original will never be a proper sporting rifle. No point in putting more money into such a thing. A Y1903 Mannlicher can be wonderful.

But you're a big kid. Make up your own mind.

 

[GBExpat]

But you're a big kid. Make up your own mind.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I ran into this with a 30-40 krag carbine.
It was missing the bolt, the rear sight, trigger guard and had an after market stock. The outside of the barrel was rusty and the front sight was replaced. Now it looks like this and my wife loves it.

 

[Charliefrank]

Robert covered the question completely.

 

[FROGO207]

If it is so "collectable" that shooting it or breaking it during normal use it hurts the value then I will let it be someone elses. I will enjoy a quality firearm for what it is and use it for what it was designed for. No museum pieces for me. IMHO if something has more value in the unmolested state and can be used then I will, otherwise it gets sold or traded for something I can use without any worries.

RE post #7 If I was in bassjam's situation I would get a new barrel installed by a qualified gunsmith if I was unable to do it myself. BUT I would save the original barrel to be put back on in case I ever sold it and the new owner wished to restore it to original for whatever reason. I do this with sights, grips, stocks, etc. all the time. I just put all the takeoff parts back in the box the firearm came in so I will not forget where they came from.

 

[LoonWulf]

I have little interest in restorations, but i do like customs. So, if a guns reciever is in good shape even if the barrels cut i wont touch it. If its a "rare" vintage or variant i wont touch it. Other then that its all fair game to be tinkered with.

 

[Archie]

I ran into this with a 30-40 krag carbine.
It was missing the bolt, the rear sight, trigger guard and had an after market stock. The outside of the barrel was rusty and the front sight was replaced. Now it looks like this and my wife loves it.

Looks just dandy! From what you say the rifle was next to absolutely worthless. Now it is a useful hunting rifle, capable of all but the most dangerous of North American game. And it looks good (except for the diamond inserts on the fore stock) and a thing of pride to both owner and mechanic.

I will stipulate, the diamond inserts are a matter of taste.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Looks just dandy! From what you say the rifle was next to absolutely worthless. Now it is a useful hunting rifle, capable of all but the most dangerous of North American game. And it looks good (except for the diamond inserts on the fore stock) and a thing of pride to both owner and mechanic.

I will stipulate, the diamond inserts are a matter of taste.

They are seashells that were cut and inletted by the previous owner. My wife loves them but she does love strange things

 

[theotherwaldo]

I consider a gun that has been Bubba'd and then USED to be at least as valid as its pristine brother that was left unfired.
Yes, the stock looks like it was used to taunt an angry beaver.
Yes, it has the scars left by files, die grinders, hack saws, and the dreaded Dremel tool.
Yes, years of use and abuse have damaged its finish and its bore.
But -
If it put food on the table, bullets on the X ring, or new shooters on the firing line then it is a valid and valuable gun.
One man's Bubba is another man's custom project.