Point taken on the proper "reproofing" aspect of this discussion - logical. Refinishing back at the factory is also a fairly benign practice as well. Both are good with me should they be done by the factory / authorized repair operation.

From a collector's standpoint, "changing up" the weapon from its original configuration - this will definately decrease the value of the weapon. And in particular if the modifications are not "factory authorized".

One of the guns in thread has definately been altered from original and is demanding a very high price for a "non original" rifle - great guns from a shooter's standpoint but not a collector's.

If we are talking collectable "shooters" (that's me) then I'm with you guys, who cares what has been done to the rifle if in fact is was "properly" serviced. re-proofed, etc.

As far as the "American" connotation you are correct in that over here refinishing a gun has a bad stigma attached to it. For example, the Parker shotgun collectors over here frown heavily upon re-finished guns and this is reflected in the pricing.

To sum it all up, seems that there are some really nice old Rigby's out there for sale, but the issue is that they are "shooters" being offered at "collector" prices.

Thanks for all of the input,

Jeff