Project gun

[Burkdoggy]

I'm asking for the NFOA members thoughts on a project that I picked up:

While in a pawn shop last summer,  I bought an Ithaca 37 that looked to have light rust all over the outside.  The interior is nice, so I figured it'd be a good candidate for a re-blue.  Turns out it had been refinished before and the light rust is actually a brown finish. 

The serial number is from 1939. 

At this point I'd like input/suggestions from the members on 1) whether to re-refinish or 2) deal with it and enjoy having a botched antique or 3) Chop the barrel and Cera-kote it and just keep it for home defense.

Tips on gunsmiths that do GOOD rebluing would be helpful too.  I think the gun has been ruined as far as collector value is concerned but I'm no expert.

Thanks in advance.

[SemperFiGuy]

I inherited my Dad's Ithaca 37 12ga.

Lotsa good memories associated with that particular shotgun.

Had it reblued because I wished to do so.

Which spiffed it up nicely.   Looks nicer than ever.

Now:   Why gun collectors think that the value of a firearm is sharply diminished when it is reblued or refinished is beyond the range of my cognitive abilities.   (As in, "It's been reblued.  You've ruined it.")

Same as I can't really understand the fascination of gun collectors for the gun's original box, no matter how tattered, torn, ripped, etc.   (They can somehow "shoot" the box?)   

Those Ithaca 37s just aren't all that "collectible".   The difference in value between (a) tired old worn original gun finish and (b) reblued, rebrowned, re-whatever isn't really all that much.

So my suggestion to you is to do with it exactly and precisely whatever pleases YOU.

Like:   Some kinda fabulous creative Cerakote.   

Or even taking it out hunting.   Imagine that.

sfg

[Burkdoggy]

I am leaning more towards having it reblued, if anything.  I did buy it as a project after all.  Just not decided.

[bkoenig]

Ever look into rust blueing?  It's a lot of work, but you can diy at home.  Would be kind of a neat project.

[Burkdoggy]

I think that's what was done to it before.  I don't care for the look on this gun.

[Kendahl]

Why gun collectors think that the value of a firearm is sharply diminished when it is reblued or refinished is beyond the range of my cognitive abilities.

That's true for collectors of just about anything. The optimum condition is new in the box, including the box. For example, old books are worth significantly more if they have the original dust jacket. Next best is used but still in good condition. As condition deteriorates, it's hard to say which hurts more -- leaving it as is or fixing it. A clumsy repair is the worst of all.

[m0par]

I think that's what was done to it before.  I don't care for the look on this gun.

It wasn't rust blued if it is brown. The same initial process is used for browning, but browning omits the conversion of red rust to black via the boiling water step.

Rust bluing is cheap and easy, although it takes quite some time. You'll end up with a black finish that is supposed to be more durable than caustic bluing and much more durable than cold bluing. You can't get a high polish finish with rust bluing though, if that's what you're going for.

Tips on gunsmiths that do GOOD rebluing would be helpful too.

I've seen some of Joe Chambers' bluing. It was quite astounding. I don't know if he is taking on refinishing jobs like this, but if he is, I imagine it'd cost quite a bit more than what you paid for the gun.

[Burkdoggy]

Good to know.  Thanks.