What would you do ??

[BTSDOG]

Ive got this old (1903) Savage pump .22 rifle with octagon barrel and low serial # (4 digit). It looks like its been around the world and back. Its it good mechanical shape, Ive taken it down, cleaned it up and it does function, altho ive not fired it. My question is, should i leave it as is, have it restored to make look like new (as in complete rebluing job.) See pics below........

 

[FrugalFannie]

OOOOooooo

you know, some antiques have more value when they are not "restored" That's a sweet little rifle. I have no idea which you should do. depends on your goals.

 

[cockpitbob]

The antique furniture people have the philosophy that you can restore something 100 times, but it is original only once.

 

[rcwhat]

No way would I restore if it’s still functioning. I would do a full teardown and replace any springs and give it a nice lubing.

 

[lowbuckbob]

If you plan on selling it, you'll get more if it's in original condition. If you're going to keep it, resale value is moot and it is ultimately what your preference is. Being somewhat OCD, I'd like it in 'like new' condition - but that's me.

 

[mike1960]

I believe that is an old “gallery gun” as used in shooting gallery’s at carnivals. It is one of the first take downs. Since it is both .22L and .22LR it maybe worth $350 - $500. If it were me I would make it shiny and new and use it to teach the kids and/or grandkids to shoot.

 

[Sparkey]

Shoot it first and see how it runs. I have a very similar looking Remington gallery gun lot of fun for plinking cans

 

[tuna]

Shoot it.
Why restore it to drop it in the garage and get it messed up?
I don’t like new things. I don’t use them right because I don’t want to wreck them. I’d rather buy used and not worry about another ding.

 

[01906]

Nice find. I would clean it up the best I could without restoring it. Make sure it's mechanically sound. And have fun with it Like someone said above it's only original once.

 

[cams]

I wouldn’t do anything but clean it regular, oil it and shoot it. 1903?! That rifle is covered in its own history, don’t put a blindfold on it. Much more interesting and unique when they have the scars and stains of almost 120yrs on this earth.

 

[cjbenway]

View: https://youtu.be/mXj_SaE8Z08
Conserve it, not restore.

 

[Climbnsink]

If it works shoot and enjoy it. That is what I would do. On the other hand if you are wound in that way that must make everything shiny and perfect, then make it shiny and perfect.

 

[Wickedcoolname]

I like it like it is. I'd wipe it down inside and out with WD40 and shoot it.

 

[BigTimber]

Do not restore.

 

[RKG]

As others have said, it depends entirely on your objectives. If you are a collector who might someday sell for best return, leave it as is. If it is a shooter you'll keep forever, like things new and shiny, and can afford a full restoration, go for it.

I have a similar '06 Win pump, in similar condition. A blast to shoot, and I'll never sell, but so far I'm keeping it "as is."

 

[greencobra]

that suppose to have a magazine that sits in front of the trigger guard?

 

[MAGA99]

Put a few hundred rounds through it. If it’s fun, you’ll probably want to keep it the way it is, functional and fun.

 

[white feather]

As others have said, it depends entirely on your objectives. If you are a collector who might someday sell for best return, leave it as is. If it is a shooter you'll keep forever, like things new and shiny, and can afford a full restoration, go for it.

I have a similar '06 Win pump, in similar condition. A blast to shoot, and I'll never sell, but so far I'm keeping it "as is."

Beautiful rifle. Personally, I like it as is. If you are need it to look like new, you will need more than a reblue, that screw head and gouge on the receiver won't look better with new blue. To make it look like new, I believe you should send it to a professional and that costs $$. I doubt that $ value now + $ cost of restoration to correctly "make it look like new" will be greater than $ restored value in the future. If I spent the money needed to make it look like new, I would probably leave it in the safe. If I just skin-flinted a restoration and did it myself, it would look nicer but not just "like new". I would notice everything that was still wrong with it and I would be least happy with that result. Your choice but I am in the leave it original and enjoy it camp.

 

[LuvDog]

It looks perfect as it is... at least in my eyes. I wouldn't want it brand new and shiny, because then I'd be afraid to use it and scratch it. Even just moving it around in the safe could scratch it, so it would just taunt me.

Clean it, lube it, shoot it, enjoy it.

 

[BTSDOG]

that suppose to have a magazine that sits in front of the trigger guard?

Yup, ive got an original and a couple of aftermarket....

 

[Demoman]

Dad always said rub some dirt on it and go back to work. I wouldn't do a thing but wipe it with some oil and shoot it. I like them with some battle scars to show they have been around. If you want new and shiny buy one and put that away for later

 

[KBCraig]

Wipe it down and shoot it.