Would I be an awful person if...

[Paxal]

I Ceracoated by M 1917?

I recently completed a rebuild/rebirth of an old M1917 rifle that was originally built in 1917. It had been converted decades ago into a "shorter" hunting rifle, and I really wanted to return it to its true aspect. So I hunted up all the parts, using only "Eddystone" pieces, and put it back together. I think it looks great, not new, but great - an the old scarred up warhorse it is.

So, would I be an awful person if I had it Ceracoated in a color that would duplicate the original Parkerizing? Would I be an awful person if I had it re-Parkerized? Would I be an awful person if I had it refinished at all? What's your opinion?

 

[Calculon]

While I prefer these old warhorses to stay as original as possible the bottom line is it's your rifle to do with as you please.

 

[Steve H]

If you've done a good restoration the rifle has historical value. Once you refinish it to make it look like new that value is gone.

 

[C3D]

The gun is not valuable enough to care about what others may think of it. Do what you like and enjoy shooting it.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I bullpuped an SKS and threaded the muzzle. If you go to the SKS boards, the traditionalists badmouth doing that all the time because new SKS's aren't made anymore.

As long as you do not plan on selling it, do what you like. You are the one that needs to enjoy it. Those that look down on that will never enjoy your rifle whether it's sitting in a closet in factory configuration or bubba-ed out to your liking.

 

[Phauxtoe]

get it parkerized!
Just dont put an "Archangel stock" on it!

 

[Podmonkey]

Not at all. As said above its not like they are super rare or valuable so have fun and get creative with it. I do second the "don't put an archangel stock on it" though, Tapco-tacticool milsurps makes baby Jesus cry.

 

[dsdmmat]

I find it easier to care for a gun that has a good finish verses one that has bare metal all over it. Besides it is your gun and your money, who cares what anyone else thinks?