I want to refinish an original 5.7 Winchester.

[PBI]

Who attacked who?

[browningautorifle]

.....

[Bubba-7]

Well, My only comment is, Are we having fun yet?
There was a lot more going on with this carbine than just honest wear. Mainly, it looked like some one buffed all the parts to remove the original finish. I thought a previous owner was going to reblued it like was done all the time in the 60's and changed his mind. The under side of the bolt has very small scratches all over it. The band and really every part had them. Unusual parts like the hammer, sear and inside parts of the trigger were buffed or something. Something happened to it in its past which was not normal or usual. The pictures do not do a good job of showing them.
I have gotten junk shooters refinished in the past to resell. They were a collection of mixed parts and finishes and most of them had been refinished before anyway.
This is the first "original" carbine I have had refinished and it took me a year and a have to decide to have it done.
I am just glad I was able to find someone who took the time and had the know how to do it right.
I still can't believe it was totally disassembled. That is amazing.

[Newscotlander]

When you get to the point where you are comparing an original carbine that has a very worn finish, with a carbine that is original except that it has been refinished, it is really subjective. The value on either is in the eye of the beholder and in reality, at the end of the day, it will be about the same. Less than an completely original and more than a rebuilt and refinished carbine.

[wtmr]

looks very nice, is amazing how guys slobber over refinished garands but when comes to carbines get all anal, I have several refinished guns that look like day they came out of factory, only negative is there are sellers who would claim that they did , charge it and get it. Hey I am as anal as it gets but sometimes putting new paint on a old girl is the ticket-great job roger