I'd rather have a refinished gun than a safe queen.
Why would that be? I’ve had a few safe queens pass through my hands, still have a few, they all worked and looked as the manufacturer intended.
Best,
Ted
Because I buy things to use them, not to just look at them. YMMV - that's why I stated what I'd rather have instead of proclaiming what everyone should do.

I buy them to use them as well. I also like to use a gun that is in fantastic condition, and given the option would take the safe queen every time.
Help me to understand the notion the refinished gun is somehow preferable to have and use over the gun that lived in its box for the entire time prior to it becoming available.
![[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]](https://i.ibb.co/ynGjXRWD/IMG-2063.jpg)
Prandelli & Gasperini 20 gauge boxlock non ejector, 3” chambers, built to the notions of one Francis E. Sell circa 1967, in regards to bore dimensions, chambers and chokes. It never saw the light of day until I owned it. Not refinished.
![[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]](https://i.ibb.co/Gfd56CgC/IMG-2192.jpg)
1920 vintage Halifax Darne, 12 gauge, wearing most of its original bone case colors. Choked IC/IMOD, luscious 28” tubes at .050 wall just about everywhere. Not refinished. No need, it lived in a closet for 90 bird seasons.
![[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]](https://i.ibb.co/TD79zFYs/IMG-0653.jpg)
1960 Vintage V19 28 gauge, sitting on the box it spent 55 years in. I actually had Geoffroy put a checkered ebony buttplate and a sling on the gun, identical to what was optionally available when it was new. The work is flawless, and Geoffroy actually laid a bit of engraving on the butt stock fitting, matching the work from when the gun was new, something he was the very best at. Wish I shot this one better, it is a joy to carry and handle. But, even if I send it down the road, it will bring more than a refinished Darne.
![[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]](https://i.ibb.co/S4cJ0BcL/IMG-0051.jpg)
1938 vintage Ithaca Lefever Nitro Special, 16 gauge, 26” CYL/MOD chokes factory 2 3/4” chambers. The barrels had some furry rust on them, after I won the day with a $257 bid. I had the barrels blued, polishing them to about 400, which, would have been correct for that era. The colors are vibrant and the wood is superb. A little bit refinished, but, few would know. I use it with heavy metal in an area that requires non toxic shot. I like the fact my non toxic shot gun is almost 90 seasons young. Contrast the colors on this one to anything Nitro Special ed has posted for sale in the last two decades.
![[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]](https://i.ibb.co/v6PzJyKy/IMG-0450.jpg)
Can’t help but wonder why someone would prefer a gun in lesser condition to own and keep.
But, here we are.
Best,
Ted