Reconditiioning question

[loridah]

Does anyone know where the best place to send my friends M-1 carbine to be reconditioned? Mine is in pristeen shape, but his kinda needs some rework. Any answers would be appreciated.

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[INLAND44]

Refinishing a carbine is generally not good for it's value. It depends entirely on what he has and whether or not it has original finish.

[jimb16]

Most carbine problems are easily solved. You should be able to cure the problem yourself without the need for "reconditioning".

[imarangemaster]

If it is pristine, DON'T mess with it. It is worth more that way, even if it is a GI mixmaster, than a refinished one. People search for years to find a a pristine original.

[USGI]

I've never used them, but you might want to check out Fulton Armory and Miltech. They both offer reconditioning services. I just looked at the Fulton website and they guarantee 2.5 MOA accuracy on their carbines if you use Hornady match ammo. - Bob

[loridah]

Thank you all for a quick reply. Like I said, it is for my friend. He shoots his a lot and it is in need of refurbishing. Mine is fine. It is an Inland, made in Oct. 1944 all original. I think I will keep mine like it is. But, my friend wants to have his refinished and cleaned. Wood is still good, but it really needs some TLC. Again, thanks. WG

[wensteph]

From reading several forums, these all have good reputations for quality work. Cost/value is in the eye of the beholder.

http://www.dgrguns.com/

http://shuffsparkerizing.com/

http://www.jamesriverarmory.com/

http://www.fulton-armory.com/

[DaveHH]

When any collector sees a nice finish on a firearm the first thing they do is look for evidence of a reblue. Take one of Mr Peppers nice pistols and refinish it and the value drops like a rock, probably 80%. It is an irreversible act, you can never go back to original. I understand that some folks cannot stand a firearm with any cosmetic issues and they are welcome to ruin any gun they own. A 60 year old patina of dried cosmoline, years of linseed oil and sweat looks great on a rifle in my eyes.

[Bill Hollinger]

On a gun show a few weeks ago there was a guy that brought an old Winchester lever gun in to be appraised. It was a beautiful rifle with amazing case hardened finish. It was determined the rifle had been professionally refinished and whoever did it did a beautiful job on it. The appraiser said in its original finish the rifle would have been worth $50,000.00! As it sat, it appraised at $8000.00. Still a healthy chunk but nowhere near what the original finish would have brought.

I agree with Dave, try and your buddy out of it.