Would it hurt the value of an original rifle if I had Hoyt rebore and rifle the barrel to a caliber that was original to the makers calibers. Just wondering. We discussed this this morning at the coffee shop and had 2 different opinions.
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Question on value.
- Thread starter mjpchief
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Original guns are not wall hangers to me when I find a nice one in good condition but that has a shot-out bore I have no issue with a rebore to make it a functioning gun.
Would depend on the opinion of the potential buyer.
Personally, I would look upon it as a repair or restoration thing. It should no more destroy value than would replacing a broken spring in the lock.
Personally, I would look upon it as a repair or restoration thing. It should no more destroy value than would replacing a broken spring in the lock.
Depends on the gun. Some, no. Some definitely yes.
Comfortably_Numb
The Evil Mike Brooks
Depends on the historical value of the gun.
Get a new barrel, keep the original so you can restore it.
There are those who hold that an historical artifact, here a gun, should be conserved/preserved as is. Like an insect in amber. That is not my take. If it can be safely used and not damaged I say why not? The very history of the gun is tied up with its use.
When I need a tool I will likely go to Joy's Antiques, where there is an amazing variety of old tools. I do not do it for price. I do it for the pleasure of it. Beats the mortal hell out of Homey Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware.
I look at the old wooden molding planes and think about how much trim they cut for how many homes. Lots of sharpening stones and jigs with those old tools. How many sharpening stones and how much oil do you find in the big box stores?
Ditto with firearms. Aside from personal defense/carry weapons, most modern firearms bore me. And I do not love the carry weapons like I love a flintlock rifle.
When I need a tool I will likely go to Joy's Antiques, where there is an amazing variety of old tools. I do not do it for price. I do it for the pleasure of it. Beats the mortal hell out of Homey Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware.
I look at the old wooden molding planes and think about how much trim they cut for how many homes. Lots of sharpening stones and jigs with those old tools. How many sharpening stones and how much oil do you find in the big box stores?
Ditto with firearms. Aside from personal defense/carry weapons, most modern firearms bore me. And I do not love the carry weapons like I love a flintlock rifle.
appalichian hunter
75 Cal.
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The old guns then were used and re-freshen at times thus changing the bore diameter. Or even re-bored and re-rifled so, what's the difference between then and now. I have one probably dates to the 1860 period waiting on a barrel job from Mr. Hoyt, when I get back from hunting in October. Like Solanco stated they are tools, built to be used.
so if you find a beautiful flint arrowhead do you tie it to a stick and shoot it out of you bow????
I generally have no problem with a gun that is brought back to functionality by freshing the rifling or repairing broken parts. What I HATE to see is one with a Bubba "Resto" job consisting of heavy sanding, non historic finishes and a gleaming TruOil shine.
ADK Bigfoot
54 Cal.
"so if you find a beautiful flint arrowhead do you tie it to a stick and shoot it out of you bow????"
Why not? Isn't that the intent of the person who knapped it?
ADK Bigfoot
Why not? Isn't that the intent of the person who knapped it?
ADK Bigfoot
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Comfortably_Numb
The Evil Mike Brooks
You certainly wouldn't take a Oerter rifle and fresh up the bore and shoot it. It really depends on the collector value of the gun.
I shoot guns several times a week that were made in the 1880s.
I used to shoot the hell out of a ca. 1815 sxs flint shotgun too. It's all relative to what the gun is and what it's worth.
I shoot guns several times a week that were made in the 1880s.
I used to shoot the hell out of a ca. 1815 sxs flint shotgun too. It's all relative to what the gun is and what it's worth.
Well I will confess a certain fondness fort my 1911. Hell, 1911 is 112 years ago.
Dusty Rhodes
Dusty Rhodes.
Once it's been cut, it's no longer original. However... as a shooter it then becomes a 'useable semi original' and that makes it more valuable to me.
What's it's value ? $500 or $5,000. ?
If it's a valuable firearm, don't touch it. Just my humble opinion. D.R.
Use the gun as you wish. Let the people liquidating your estate worry about it.
Sure, why not? I've got shoeboxes full of those things.
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Simple choice, what do like better, a gun you can shoot or money?
