When is a refinish in order?

Jasta2 · 03-02-2008, 07:23 AM

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

var99 · 03-02-2008, 08:33 AM

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

pipeman45 · 03-02-2008, 09:53 AM

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

Jasta2 · 03-02-2008, 08:19 PM

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

pipeman45 · 03-02-2008, 11:44 PM

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.

383 magnum · 03-05-2008, 10:17 PM

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

Went Blakely · 03-06-2008, 09:30 AM

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

03-02-2008, 07:23 AM	#1
Jasta2 User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeland, Fl. Posts: 514 Thanks: 349 Thanked 101 Times in 52 Posts	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

03-02-2008, 09:53 AM	#3
pipeman45 User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 539 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Are we talking about a restore, or just clean it up and re-blue. There is a huge difference in cost between the two. __________________ Dave

03-02-2008, 11:44 PM	#5
pipeman45 User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 539 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	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. __________________ Dave

03-06-2008, 09:30 AM	#7
Went Blakely User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 231 Thanks: 4 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	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 __________________ Went Blakely

03-02-2008, 08:33 AM	#2
var99 User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: FL Posts: 114 Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	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

03-02-2008, 08:19 PM	#4
Jasta2 User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeland, Fl. Posts: 514 Thanks: 349 Thanked 101 Times in 52 Posts	Most likely just a re-blue. Bringing a non-collector grade back to a more presentable condition.

03-05-2008, 10:17 PM	#6
383 magnum User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 120 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I would not ever reblue a matching gun, regardless of condition.