REMOVING PLASTIC FINISH ON REPRO

[Coach]

Dave,

Did you use any stain in the process? If so, what, and how was it applied? I hope I'm not asking questions about secret recipies.

Thanks,
Carl.

[Rod N. Gunn]

No stain, just the clear Watco oil. The wax I used is dark brown but it doesn't seem to change the color at all.

[dennistoews]

Just a quick question as a number of you have replaced the original finish with an oil finish. I know as long as a person intends to keep the Parker for a long time, but what does that do to the collectablity of a Repro?

[Dean Romig]

On a "shooter" Repro I don't think it makes a bit of difference in value if it has a hard, shiny original plastic finish or a nicely done oil finish.

[Rod N. Gunn]

The one I showed above was purchased specifically for the strip job. I searched for a long time to find one with enough damage to the finish that I could buy it at a discount and refinish it. My other repro.s remain encased in the original plastic prophylactic coating out of potential resale concerns. The oil finished gun is considerably better looking in my opinion.

[Wild Skies]

If we have learned anything concerning original Parker Bros. collectibilty the surefire way to destroy the possibilty of any future collectibilty with a Repro would be to alter it in any way---and that includes removing its original factory finish in favor of the arguably better looking oil finish.

[Dean Romig]

I don't know about the others who have expressed an opinion on this thread but I specifically stated "shooter" in my opinion of advisability of removing original finish. Certainly a 'safe queen' repro that was never obtained to enjoy the pleasure of its shooting and handling qualities but to simply gain cobwebs and value should be left in its original condition, but.....

[Wild Skies]

...but what?

[Chuck Heald]

....but life is short.

[Chuck Heald]

...and I ain't getting any younger.