To Be Or Not To Be...

[racappy]

Hi 1911 types,
I need some of your opinions. I am in the market for a 1911 Colt Series 70 NM or Pre-70 series NM. I found one at a local pawn shop. It would cost $500 out the door plus my Brady. BUT..
The problem is: The Bluing is about 40%. The gun mechanically is about 95% and original(can't quite figure that one out). What do you think about RESTORATIONS?? I would like the original Colt Blue brought back to life. I figured to reblue this gun correctly-$300-$500.
Should I wait and just spend the $1000 for a nice original Colt or have this one refinished??
Is is very difficult to find original pistols at a "beer" price.

Cappy:eek:

[bykerhd]

That sounds a bit high for a pistol in that condition. But, not by much.

If Colt still does that kind of work, they might be the ones to have do it.
I don't think a factory re-blue would hurt the value anywhere near as much as a job by some local guy. Probably come out a lot better too.
There are some really reputable shops around that could probably do an excellent job. None of those will be cheap.

It goes back to that thing about good work not being cheap and cheap work not being good I think.

[Deltaten]

Cappy:

Series 70 usually derive a good price and adding the NM would normally increase it too. Given the condition of the finish, I think the price is a tad high. Mechanical 95% on a used Colt, even of that vintage is normal...after all,, they don't really wear out ;)

A nice series 70 in good shape would /should fetch 700+/- IMHO. deduct around 4-500 for the factory re-finish and offer the difference. Yeah! you and I *know* finish don't mean shit ta function; but is the pawn gonna be able ta move it at $500, or even $400?? Nah! offer $300 and go from there.

THen shoot it as-is :D keep it well oiled and enjoy it so. Blueing will make it nice; but not shoot better...and will eventually wear again!! :eek: If ya re-blue, factory and all; it's *still* a re-finish and diminished in value to strictly a shooter... a '70 NM shooter but still.....only worth so much

JMHO,
Paul