If you had a historic combat rifle that was in good shape except for its bluing (poorly applied in the first place as the Reich

[texasfirst]

If you had a historic combat rifle that was in good shape except for its bluing (poorly applied in the first place as the Reich crumbled), would you have it re-blued? Or should the rifle be left alone and just kept oiled?

[ishawooa]

I leave mine like they are. They don't have much value anyway plus I like the "used" look.

[Christian Emter]

I agree with ishawooa. But I would have to disagree with him too about the value, some guns can be worth alot espeacially the ones they don't make anymore.

[rrmont]

If you want to maintain the value don't reblue it, they are worth more in the original condition. Just keep it oiled.

[Beekeeper]

Tex,

The real German made Mauser battle rifles are getting to be rather pricey. The yugo made stuff is still relatively cheap. I'd keep the German rifle it as is.

[kolbster]

it just depends on what your going to do with the gun.

[texasfirst]

I was going to take it on "Antiques Roadshow." Ha. Just kidding. Good answers though. Anybody actually a proponent for bluing it?

[teufelhunden]

I would reblue it. Of course I am partial to keeping my rifles and rarely consider resale value. I had a German mauser reblued back in the 80's because I would clean it at night and when the sun came up over my hill country stand it would have a light coat of rust. I constantly wanted to take it apart and clean it in the stand.

It took me a while to find a good gunsmith that would do it. It also was pretty pricey, but it was worth it because the rifle looks great. I would not recommend trying to reblue it yourself with one of those kits.

[CPT BRAD]

Don't reblue it. It will ruin the collectors value of it. Whether you plan on selling it or not it will eventually pass to someone else, they'll appreciate the worn well used rifle more than a reblue job that won't improve the looks that much anyway.

[Edward J. Palumbo]

I wouldn't reblue it unless I was having other work done on it. One of my Mausers had the original 29.1 inch barrel, which never seemed "natural to me, so I had it shortened - the barrel was cut to 24 inches and recrowned. Of course, the front sight had to be replaced, so I chose one I preferred and, as long as I was addressing other priorities, had the piece reblued. I'm not concerned about collector value; it shoots very well in my hands and it has earned its keep.
Briefly, if it bothers you or negatively affects your shooting satisfaction or pride of ownership, then reblue it. If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

[streack]

If the gun is going to be queen of the safe, then leave the finish as is. However, if you plan on using it to hunt with I would get it reblued to help it withstand the elements better.

[FloridaHunter1226]

It really depends on their use now. If you use them in the field and on regular occasion... i would have them re-blued but if they are only for decoration and a "wall-hanger" i would just leave them the way that they are.

[ishawooa]

Christian please note that I refered only to my personal old military rifles which happen to exclude any valued at more than a couple hundred. Anyone offering a grand for a mint Arasaki since I need the cash for my RBL 20? Also please bear in mind that a good bluing job might cost as much as the rifle's value. Even if I had a mint Mississippi rifle I still would not rework it.

[texasfirst]

Not a worry on the cost of bluing exceeding value of rifle here. It's not a Mauser, but I ain't saying anything beyond that.

[hjohn429]

my dad's M1 Garand has never been refinished, we just keep it oiled. On the other hand, his friend has a Garand that has been ra-chambered for 308 Winchester and it shoots 1/3 inch 5-shot groups at 100 yards!