I've been down this road before, and I don't like refinished guns. Actually, I'd be more correct in saying "I don't like restored guns" and "I can't stand refinished guns". I'm not making any references to market value...to me, guns with 99% original bone & charcoal case colors are beautiful to look at and a real joy to encounter. Guns that had 25% smokey, faded case colors that have been polished, recased, reblued (or reblacked, if you prefer) lack character in my opinion.

Like I said, I've gone down this road with some higher grade L.C. Smith shotguns, Winchesters, Marlins, and Colts...and I've never been able to keep a gun after having it restored (we're talking quality work, including three guns done by the wonderfully talented people at Turnbull's). It steals a gun's soul, as far as I'm concerned.

I've also had a couple of factory refinished Winchesters (factory jobs documented on the guns and in the form of R&R work numbers) and have kept one only because it had special-order stock dimensions and extra-length barrel.

Poorly done work is a real travesty and a whole 'nother story.

Apologies for the digression.