doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Gun Modifications

I can only afford to buy cheap well used guns. Modifying them can only help their value

I'm in the same camp with Greg and Jeff. I've never owned an old gun in high, collector condition. I buy them in usable condition and use them. I'm not a museum curator for some unknown collector, down life's road.

We want all pristine, virgin guns. WE want to be the ONES to modify them, not anybody else.

This is an issue that gets to me. I admit I would like to open the choke on my H grade Lever 16, certainly not a high grade gun,and with pitted side plates, but in more or less original condition, and with some collector value considering its rarity. I haven't done it though, simply because of that. I use the gun a lot, but since it is choked m/xf, the xf barrel is not of much use to me in the uplands (or the skeet range), even with spreaders. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, as I can see both sides of the argument. I bought another open choked gun, but that doesn't help me when I'm using the Lefever.

What I have I use, some not very much as have more than enough to shoot. Some I have (rifles) have historical value, but I still shoot them and leave them as I got them. Do have some older hardware store SxSs that I shoot, but no modifications so far, oops did open chokes on one. And please don't do anything to a 32 Model B Ford 3 window coupe. It should have a V8 60 hp flathead, neat auto.

I have always been of the opinion that "Bubba" didn't post on this forum. Perhaps I've been wrong!
Jim

I once dated a girl who was almost a virgin.....

If any of you boys are into old cars, then you should understand ALL Parkers or Foxes etc. are collectible. The reason is they don't make them anymore.

If you don't believe me, pick up an old car magazine and you'll big dollars being paid for cars that are heavily rusted, smashed etc. Cars that 30 years ago would have been crushed without a second thought.

Anyone who considers the average $2000 Parker VH 'not collectible' doesn't understand collecting....or even worse doesn't understand that even if a gun is not collectible it doesn't mean it's OK to chop it up. The gun is far more important than it's owner.

I think the answer to the question is fairly obvious--altering a collectible gun ruins its collectibility, and it really is a lost piece of history at that point.

However, what I think would be a more valuable question to ask is why people get jumped on when they propose making changes to a gun that has ALREADY been altered?? It's no longer original, so nothing is lost--what's the big deal with making whatever alterations will give the user pleasure at that point?

Hi all and thanks. I should have stated in my original post that I'm not talking about "High" grade collectable guns or those of historical interest (the Czars Parker for example).

I agree that some guns should remain untouched for one reason or another.

As I've stated, I'm a user of fine guns, not a collector. I also stand by what I said, if I can't use it, then why have it.

My guns will be passed down to my sons, who have already grown to appreciate the quality and workmanship of generations past. I also think that these same craftsman who made these guns would want them to be used Abuse in one thing, but use is another.

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear from the start.

I really do enjoy this forum and the majority of people on it. I've learned a lot and will continue to. There is a lot of great knowledge out there that is shared and passed on. That's the reason why we have this forum.

What I don't like are the few, who have to give a smart aleck or disparaging remark whenever someone posts a sincere question or comment. If you have nothing good or constructive to say, then don't!

A good debate is great, if the arguments are founded and thought out, even personal opinions are fine, but let the other fellow have his say with the same respect you'd want even of you don't agree.

Enough said. Again, sorry for any misunderstanding when I first posted this thread.

All the best!

Greg

The "problem" of trusteeship is who qualifies as a knowledgable trustee. Years ago, The Early American Industries Association had what I considered a very balanced view of our artifactual inheritance. Most contributing members wanted objects preserved, catalogued, and numbered. They also were interested in process and wanted them in use and understood in the context of use--the "living history" concept. Men make mistakes and experience (recognizing a mistake when you make it again) eventually teaches the distinction between bjects that probably should be locked away and those that can be used, learnt on, and just possibly used up (A chisel kept sharp never gets longer!). Men who have in common the need to plant a foot in the past shouldn't be arguing about this. Well maybe the CAS barrel bobbers go a bit far, but they are still part of a small and select fraternity of enthusiasts. Way to many sinners with pockets full of stones.

jack