advice on broomhandle mauser

[ybz]

Thanks everyone for the input...
the bluing on the gun, basically the entire gun except some parts of the barrel is basically like new; the nitron blue parts (they were blue in color), are also in very good condition except for the ejector which has been worn somewhat... that was something that was really stricking... the bluing looks like the bluing on some new firearms i bought, like a new shootgun... is that realistic for a 70+ yearold gun? i asked the gun store owner, he said you can tell it wasn't reblued since the numbers appear crisp and not worn (something that happens when a firearm is prepared for re-bluing), and that the guy just took excellent care of it...

[alvin]

Originally Posted by ybz

is that realistic for a 70+ yearold gun?.

This one's caliber is wrong so it's irrelevant with the following statement.

Looks like new by itself is not a problem. I had an original Interarms P1 made in 1960s, I alone fired 5,000 rounds from it, and it still looks being a 97% gun and it's still accurate, because I took care of it. I bet if I store it away for another 30-40 years, it won't look very differently from today. Old original gun does not have to be a beater

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by ybz

...i asked the gun store owner, he said you can tell it wasn't reblued since the numbers appear crisp and not worn (something that happens when a firearm is prepared for re-bluing)...

He's referring to buffing, which is done to remove scratches, pits, rust, and any other blemish or cosmetic flaw. It's not absolutely necessary for reblueing; there are many chemicals which will strip the finish down to bare metal prior to reblueing wothout buffing.

Personally, I'm not terribly fussy about mismatched numbers, varnished stocks (or even repro stocks), relined barrels, wrong sights, or new grips. I just want it to be pleasing to my eyes. The price, however, *is* important. If I can get the same pistol all matching and original with no pitting and at least some blueing left, I'd rather have that. I'm not a collector; I'm an accumulator. I buy what I like, not what other people like. (I also buy pistols that I know are junk to work on, but that's another subject entirely).

Check Gunbroker.com, AuctionArms, GunsAmerica etc and see how that one stacks up against other pistols from other areas of the country. I've found that some specific pistols are regionally priced higher than others. A good looking Mauser on Gunbroker.com will have multiple pictures, and the seller is usually willing to post or email more. It's worth comparing your gunshops Broomhandle against others.

After you buy it, post some pics here and the more knowledgeable members will tell you if they think it was worth it or not...