To reblue, or not to reblue. That is the question.

[Rickkling]

I’m sure this has been addressed many times, and I’m willing to bet everyone is divided on this, but….
I have a few red eagles that have lost the majority of the bluing. I imagine there isn’t a lot of value to these with the finish gone, but if I were to have ruger reblue them with letters stating such, would they decrease, increase, or nothing at all?
One is a 3 digit gun (if you don’t count the 0) one is a type IV, and the other appears to have been in a tacklebox most of its life.
My biggest concern is that once the bluing is gone, won’t surface rust set in?
I think I’d be willing to take a small hit on value to preserve these.
Well, let’s hear it.
What say the experts?

[jowdurt]

Hey Rick,

I have been told that a collectible gun can retain up to 90 percent of its value if the re-blue is professionally done. I bought a Red Eagle 1A that had been re-blued at Ruger. It looks real good and I am very happy with it at a fair price.

I also have a P-38 and an Artillery Luger that were meticulously refinished. Price was good, they look good and I was just not willing to pay the going price for an original 100 percent blue example.

Of all the versions of the Red Eagle pistols, I am missing a version IV. I would gladly buy one that needed refinished to fill the hole.

Best of luck,

Steve Vaughn

[Rickkling]

I have a few “common” rugers that I have had reblued (not by ruger) but to have a red eagle done is a different story.
It just seems to me that if it’s done by ruger, it would present the best case scenario.

[JAYDAWG]

Well......
Certainly no expert but, do what you want.
Questions for you to answer to you, NOT ME

Resale?
What is it worth, as is?
Would you really sell it?
Would it be cool to have a vintage Ruger you really like customised...... how YOU want it?

Maybe you should not listen to me.
I spent 3K+ to send a $500 beater to Turnbull.
BUT I LOVE IT !!!!
Cheers,
Jaydawg

[flattop44]

Rick, I agree with jowdurt, by your description of your Red Eagles, I think that having Ruger refinish them would be the way to go. I know that you sure will enjoy looking at them and owning them more than before the refinish.
FT44

[Watertender]

Ruger does a great job of rebluing. I think you will be happy with the results.