Model 8 Reblue. How much decrease in value?
Model 8 Reblue. How much decrease in value?
I have an opportunity to trade for a Model 8 rifle in 32 Remington caliber. It is in excellent condition, but has been re-blued. How much does this decrease the value of a gun in otherwise excellent condition?
Re: Model 8 Reblue. How much decrease in value?
Howdy and thanks for your question.
This question comes up from time to time and the answer is "It all depends....". If you are a collector then the value question is more important and my opinion is that it lessens the value of the rifle. If you are a shooter the value is less important. Most shooters would prefer a good looking rifle that functions flawlessly and whether it has been reblued has little to do with functioning.
There are various types of rebluing and it all depends what type was done on the rifle. Remington's from the factory came with a slow rust blue and it is much different than the modern bluing like the bluing on Browning's, Weatherby's and other high end rifles. The preparation of the metal prior to rebluing can dramaticfally affect the quality of the bluing. If the edges have been rounded, the roll stamping has been buffed down to the point the markings are not sharp, then the value is greatly reduced.
This has probably not answered your question and may have raised more questions. It will be interesting to see the other responses to your question from our other experts.
Regards,
jack1653
This question comes up from time to time and the answer is "It all depends....". If you are a collector then the value question is more important and my opinion is that it lessens the value of the rifle. If you are a shooter the value is less important. Most shooters would prefer a good looking rifle that functions flawlessly and whether it has been reblued has little to do with functioning.
There are various types of rebluing and it all depends what type was done on the rifle. Remington's from the factory came with a slow rust blue and it is much different than the modern bluing like the bluing on Browning's, Weatherby's and other high end rifles. The preparation of the metal prior to rebluing can dramaticfally affect the quality of the bluing. If the edges have been rounded, the roll stamping has been buffed down to the point the markings are not sharp, then the value is greatly reduced.
This has probably not answered your question and may have raised more questions. It will be interesting to see the other responses to your question from our other experts.
Regards,
jack1653
Re: Model 8 Reblue. How much decrease in value?
As per normal, pictures would help (although somewhat limited re.: rebluing). Also, what is stamped on the left side of the barrel? One set of letters, two, or none? If it was factory reblued, that would certainly make a difference too.
And, welcome to the 8/81 disease, watch out the next one is just around the corner - especially if you shoot one.
And, welcome to the 8/81 disease, watch out the next one is just around the corner - especially if you shoot one.
Though defensive violence will always be “a sad necessity” in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men. - St. Augustine
Re: Model 8 Reblue. How much decrease in value?
Welcome and hope we can help. Thanks,Jack for breaking the ice.I was a bit hesitant less I get saddled with that "expert" moniker. With Imfuncity here I feel at ease now. Few days ago he and I were trading emails about this subject. Rather than retype everything here is the email(edited a bit).
Mitch,
Some pictures of the Browning Sweet Sixteen restored.This was a well worn A5 with a few bumps and bruises to the stock and with metal that had freckling and discoloration on the receiver and barrel.Hadn`t been abused, just well used and hunted. Again....an act of love. I know that the subject of to restore or not restore comes up from time to time on the forums including the 8. I see the comments of ....."Well it is nice but has been reblued" or....." if you restore it you destroy the value"....I`m in agreement with some of that but take those comments and others with the thought that for the most part the writer has never seen a genuine restoration and is referring to the quick and easy machine polish, with a hot tank blue and some spray on stock finish crap.The thought occurs when I hear ,"Don`t ever restore an old gun", would the same be said for say a 1963 Corvette or 57 Bel-Air convertible. I doubt many folks would come to the car shows or turn their heads when seen on the street if these classics sported faded paint ,tattered ragtops and missing hubcaps with blue exhaust spewing out the rear. I feel the same about classic guns.Only an idiot would mess with something that has intrinsic historical value like the rifle Teddy carried up San Juan Hill, but for the vast majority out there a proper,careful restoration ,restores value as well as the gun. Thinking about making a post on this subject on the 8. There are plenty of our beloved 8`s and 81`s that could benefit. Joe
Mitch,
Some pictures of the Browning Sweet Sixteen restored.This was a well worn A5 with a few bumps and bruises to the stock and with metal that had freckling and discoloration on the receiver and barrel.Hadn`t been abused, just well used and hunted. Again....an act of love. I know that the subject of to restore or not restore comes up from time to time on the forums including the 8. I see the comments of ....."Well it is nice but has been reblued" or....." if you restore it you destroy the value"....I`m in agreement with some of that but take those comments and others with the thought that for the most part the writer has never seen a genuine restoration and is referring to the quick and easy machine polish, with a hot tank blue and some spray on stock finish crap.The thought occurs when I hear ,"Don`t ever restore an old gun", would the same be said for say a 1963 Corvette or 57 Bel-Air convertible. I doubt many folks would come to the car shows or turn their heads when seen on the street if these classics sported faded paint ,tattered ragtops and missing hubcaps with blue exhaust spewing out the rear. I feel the same about classic guns.Only an idiot would mess with something that has intrinsic historical value like the rifle Teddy carried up San Juan Hill, but for the vast majority out there a proper,careful restoration ,restores value as well as the gun. Thinking about making a post on this subject on the 8. There are plenty of our beloved 8`s and 81`s that could benefit. Joe
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".......ain't many troubles that a man cain't fix
With seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six."
With seven hundred dollars and a thirty ought six."
Re: Model 8 Reblue. How much decrease in value?
Welcome to the forum bidemhi!
This is an interesting question. I like your thoughts on this Sarge756 because you raise a good point, the differences between a refinish and a restoration.
What I've noticed over the years looking at 8's and 81's is the vast majority of those redone are not restorations but quick reblue jobs. The time and money involved in a true restoration can far surpass the value of the gun itself. If you take a rough, beat up Model 8 costing you $400, then spend the same or double in restoration costs, do you increase the value of the firearm? Perhaps a little, but would it ever exceed the amount you have into the rifle? A good explanation of the two types of refinishing can be found at the bottom of the page below...
http://www.oldwestgunsmith.com/gunsmith/prices.htm
Don't take me the wrong way, I'm not saying reblued rifles are bad (my M8 carbine is a reblue and I love it!), I just don't know that reblueing a Model 8 actually increases or decreases the value of the rifle prior to.
This is an interesting question. I like your thoughts on this Sarge756 because you raise a good point, the differences between a refinish and a restoration.
What I've noticed over the years looking at 8's and 81's is the vast majority of those redone are not restorations but quick reblue jobs. The time and money involved in a true restoration can far surpass the value of the gun itself. If you take a rough, beat up Model 8 costing you $400, then spend the same or double in restoration costs, do you increase the value of the firearm? Perhaps a little, but would it ever exceed the amount you have into the rifle? A good explanation of the two types of refinishing can be found at the bottom of the page below...
http://www.oldwestgunsmith.com/gunsmith/prices.htm
Don't take me the wrong way, I'm not saying reblued rifles are bad (my M8 carbine is a reblue and I love it!), I just don't know that reblueing a Model 8 actually increases or decreases the value of the rifle prior to.
Cam Woodall
Site Owner / Administrator
Site Owner / Administrator