1903 Colt Hammerless .32 ACP Restoration

[bill1745]

I just purchased a blued 1903 Colt hammerless in .32 ACP with black bakelite grips, made in 1916. It's bluing is rather worn. I am considering having it professionally refinished, probably reblued. I have received mixed opinions about that, with some saying that will ruin the value and others saying it may improve it if it is well done. Mechanically, the gun works fine. I am having a new spring kit installed, and may put checkered walnut grips with the gold Colt medallion on it.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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[Jess B. Guy]

Looks pretty nice to me. I'd keep it clean - shoot it and enjoy it. Love the grips.

[sealocan]

I also think it looks in great condition for its age and wouldn't refinish it.
And that would be my opinion even if it wouldn't lower its value, which it probably will.

If you're looking for a change/upgrade you can always shop around for exotic grip panels.

Stag (my favorite), imitation Ivory ( that's sometimes made from Ivory dust ), fossilized mammoth tusk for a intricate design or even an endless amounts of variations of wood grips.

Personally I think I would be buying lots of extra mags, ammo and maybe a complete spring replacement kit from someone reputable like Wolff springs before I spend money on anything else.

[Bigtwin]

Rebluing will in fact reduce the value, it's up to you to decide if that's worth it. If you never plan to sell it the value means nothing, but if you have it for collectors reasons don't reblue it.

[xxINKxx]

I wouldn't say it will bring the value down. Being really worn will for sure. If its done professionally and comes out like original, it certainly won't devalue it from what its already worth with its worn out finish. Could make someone pay more, if its done right that is.

[RobG]

I went through the same conundrum with a Browning 1922 that was passed down in the family. In the end, I had it re-blued, new grips, new recoil spring. Found some new mags on Gunbroker as well. Even got lucky years ago and found a bunch of 32 acp ammo for cheap. Great shooter, looks great, and will be passed down the line.

[Cokebottle]

It really has no value.
They made a million of these, and the later models (mine is a 1917) are not as "collectable" as the earlier models where there were minor differences every few years.
It's basically a $250 gun and not really worth the expense of having any work done to it.
Just re-spring the gun and mags and enjoy.
Mine is the least accurate that I have (likely the barrel is just shot out), and given it's a fairly heavy little gun and only fires a .32, it's snappier than I expected.

[Tere_Hanges]

Oh geez thats nothing OP. I wish mine looked as good as yours. Yours looks mint compared to mine.


Mine is from 1909. I replaced the barrel. Shoots great.

[Marcus von W.]

Leave it alone.

If you want to experience the full effect of paying a bunch of money to azz it up without actually ruining the gun , just burn 3 $100 bills, and then slam your dick in the door a couple times

[Bainter1212]

Leave it as-is. These are NOT $250 guns. That thing would sell at $500 in the marketplace within a day.

It is yours though, so if you are gonna pretty it up.....at least show us the end result so we can ooh and ahh.

My 1903 is one of my favorite guns to shoot.

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[SlowDrifter]

Please Please Please don't do it! The finishes on old guns is primarily where the value is and honest wear like yours shows is highly desirable. Even though you may never plan to sell, someone down the line might, and a re-blue would pretty much destroy the value.

[Tanner68]

There are four precious metals; gold, silver, platinum, and Colt bluing. The gun looks fine with the original finish. You'd be spending money to decrease it's value or at the very best break even with it's current value, which is doubtful. Yeah, and not a $250 gun.

[mtenenhaus]

In case you weren't familiar with them.....A few years back i purchased some parts from this company http://usarmamentcorp.com/firearms/who-we-are

Hope this helps.

I couldn't counsel you as to whether or not to refinish your pistol, I would imagine a professional job performed by masters like Turnbull would be stunning. That said, from what one can see on the posted photo it sure looks nice, at least to me. I would definitely change springs, give it a great cleaning etc.

[morrcarr67]

It really has no value.
They made a million of these, and the later models (mine is a 1917) are not as "collectable" as the earlier models where there were minor differences every few years.
It's basically a $250 gun and not really worth the expense of having any work done to it.
Just re-spring the gun and mags and enjoy.
Mine is the least accurate that I have (likely the barrel is just shot out), and given it's a fairly heavy little gun and only fires a .32, it's snappier than I expected.

It's been a while since you've priced these. These are going for $500-600 all day long on GB. I've seen ones in really nice shape with boxes and paperwork go for over $1200.

Though I agree it's not worth the cost to refinish.

[sealocan]

Whoever said they were a $250 gun and that they had a later model, less collectible version...

that means they'll sell me theirs for $200, right?