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I just came into ownership of a 1977 Colt Diamondback 22LR from my sister N law who wanted it out of the house. (It was her ex's leftover) .
I sent it into Colt to have it repaired and put back into factory condition and make it safe to shoot.
Question:
When I get it back, I still have to decide if I am going to re-blue the gun or leave it as is. Will it effect the value? If I do get it re-finished, who should I get to do it? Send it back to Colt?
Is it worth the trouble? Should I just keep it as a plinker?

Thank you in advance for the thoughts.



For more info: Colt Diamondback 22 LR 4" blue. Rubber grips. Vintage 1977.

Unless the bluing is in very bad shape, I would leave it original.

Some of the .22's, especially in nickel snub-nosed are pretty valuable. Just check out Gunbroker to see some of the prices they want for them.

I own a .38 snub-nosed Diamondback in nickel (safe queen) and I have seen them sell for as much as $2500 plus. However, there was one that was refinished from Colt with the paperwork and it sold for about half what an original was going for.

If you have it re-blued you will reduce it's value to a collector. Personally I would leave it alone and keep it lightly oiled to avoid any possible rust developing. Guns with wear add character.........