Re: Browning Auto-5 restoration; A work in progress
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fosgate</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JACQ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So if i had a Model t that was rusted all to hell, i shouldnt try to clean it up, protect the metal from further corrosion, and make it nicer for myself?</div></div>
No, corrosion should be stopped, general rule of preservation. Stop the rust with something like naval jelly and oil it. That's it. Patina is not rust that needs to be stopped.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JACQ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The brownings are not a limited item, there are lots out there, and the ones that are truly collectable normally stay as such. </div></div>
Not limited? They don't build the A-5's anymore do they? A well preserved A-5 brings decent money still. And the last run tributes will currently fetch $8,000-$12,000 depending on condition and serial #. 28Ga is highly sought after and different stampings, production years, Country of origin and use are all different things that can make them more desirable. I've seen guys sell A-5's for $250 only to see the buyer turn and sell it for $1500 because the first guy had no idea. Many A-5's are in poor shape and that is OK with me because it means my pieces go up in value. But at the same token if you own a classic 69 Camaro SS it doesn't mean you have to like watching another get tossed in the trash compactor. But I understand some people have to have things the way they want it. Just keep an open mind when you strip all the paint off a classic car and just clear coat it some people are going to stare. And I understand street rodding and chopping cars which is not the same as collecting firearms. A large number of people believe firearms more than a tool.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JACQ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">according to your theory, nothing should ever be refinished. </div></div>
Never stated a my theory. Refinishing is a touchy subject but the general rule is you use original techniques and materials and you only do it under certain conditions. This is the theory of Gun industry, not mine. This can be read about here.
http://www.amazon.com/Collecting-Firearm...4556&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0883173476 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0883172755 These are not just books for purists. They are for enthusiasts also.
I myself have messed up firearms in my youth and even recently on accident by not removing cosmoline from a stock properly. This depreciated the rifle by over 50% but I attempted to regain some of the value by refinishing it with original materials and techniques. This brings the rifle value back up but it will never be at the value it was before I removed the cosmo and I must declare it a restoration if I ever sell it. Some purists would still crucify me but luckily it was an inexpensive rifle with nothing that makes it more desirable from others of it's kind.
There are still places that use the original techniques and materials for the A-5.
http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/ctgy/gunsmithing-services MGW is one of the few left who do so and they do it very well as they have seen their work. I had them restore one of mine I had that was in poor condition of less than 20%. They have people who worked for browning doing the checkering on the A-5's last I heard.
MR. Simpson's work does look good for the technique he used. I'll give him credit for his patience and skill. His customers however, should be educated not encouraged. Granted they probably would not listen and to that I could only shake my head in disappointment.
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These weren't safe queens to begin with, not sure why you feel the need to add your 2 cents about what someone else does with their own property either.
And it isn't really apples to apples, but Browning does in fact still make the A5, they recently reintroduced it.
Just because a gun is old doesn't make it something that should be put on the mantle and preserved like a painting. If someone can clean it up and do some things that add useful life to it, it may not matter to them what it could be worth. How much would you sell your grandpas A5 for?
