If it is indeed never to be sold, I might consider a refinish, with one caveat. A full Turnbull restoration, or nothing.
1.) Is it safe to shoot a gun of this age? It's all original as far as I know.
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I would have a smith check it over first. I have an early '35 Walther that shoots perfectly, but I wont attempt to tell you whats safe and what isnt.
No, do not refinish or media blast it. THIS WILL REDUCE THE VALUE!2.) Should I media blast it and have it re-blued? Would that hurt the value?
No idea. Sorry.3.) What is it worth?
See answer to #2.4.) Would re-finishing it hurt or help the value?
I would look into getting era specific grips.5.) Where's a good place to get some proper wood grips?
Well, I'm going take a different stance on it...
if it is indeed a family heirloom, in my eyes... monetary value means nothing to me. If I were to acquire this as an investment, then no, I wouldn't refinish it unless a few conditions apply. Having said that, as a family gun that will never be sold, I personally would prefer to have it refinished to look original, that way it is protected for years to come and wouldn't quite involve as much special care as it does in it's current state.
But again, it is COMPLETELY up to you.
As for grips, are you wanting true original grips? If so, you're going to pay for them... but you can get re-pros for around $30 IIRC. And again... IIRC, being a 1913 gun, it would have had walnut grips, not plastic.
I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it provided a good clean bill of health from somebody who knows what to look for. My shooting buddy has an original Colt 1911A1 as well (granted, a bit newer) that gets about 1000 rounds a year through it. If you would like, I would be more than happy to go over it with you to do a safety inspection and show you the ins and outs of the 1911 platform. I am no smith, but I know my way around them alright.
Cool gun though!
1.) Is it safe to shoot a gun of this age? It's all original as far as I know.
2.) Should I media blast it and have it re-blued? Would that hurt the value?
3.) What is it worth?
Thanks for the advice guys. I don't ever plan on selling it. It will be handed down to him, just as my father will do for me. I think for now I will just keep it clean and put a nice set of walnut grips on it.
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