When is a refinish in order?
 

This is a general question and not about any single Luger. Considering you have a matching Luger that is in fairly poor condition and not a rare model, at what point would you refinish it? I have seen some truly poor matching Lugers, very worn blue/straw with alot of pitting that looks as if a proper refinish would not hurt it's value. What do you guys think?
Bill

Hi Bill
In the scenario you describe (a common model , mismatched and/or pitted), I personally would not bother, unless you just want a pretty shooter. In the end you are taking a $600-700 piece, and for the cost of $400 or so for a quality refurb, are turning it into a $900 shooter at best, so the economics don't work out, as it will not be a collectors piece.

I would only spend the money on a refurb if was a rare model ( HK, "K' date, Navy etc.), that was in poor shape. (The operative word being poor, I had one restorer tell me he routinely gets 90% condition guns to restore, which is just crazy)

Just my opinion,
Vince

Are we talking about a restore, or just clean it up and re-blue.
There is a huge difference in cost between the two.

Most likely just a re-blue. Bringing a non-collector grade back to a more presentable condition.

To a true collector ANY all matching un-molested Luger will be worth more than a re-blued one. That said, I'm not a collector I'm an accumulator. I say if it's yours, do what you want. I would advise that you not do it if the pistol is over 50% condition and all matching.

I would not ever reblue a matching gun, regardless of condition.

i would have to agree with 383 magnum. it would just completely take a form of authenticity away from it, in my eyes. up to you though