William, that is a question that I get asked on a daily basis.My company restores 75 to 100 firearms yearly. We decline requested work on many,many more. The following is the criteria we use in restoration. Is the gun a classic or collector grade gun ? Is it a family heirloom? Is it unique or rare in some way?. If a gun is mechanicaly sound wood and metal and retains at least 40% of its original patina, we suggest only a professional cleaning and inspection.
A large percentage of classic doubles that we see, have been poorly refinished, restocked, reblued or tampered with. In that case we determine if it can be restored to its original condition. Restoration work is vastly different than refinishing. Restoration requires a great deal of research and an understanding of original finishing techniques used at the time of manufacture. If a restored gun looks refinished It is not done correctly. Oil soaked wood, bare or rusted metal, lead to larger problems of not attended to.
If your double looks good, is original and sound, shoot and enjoy it. If not have it properly restored it will certianly look pretty and ensure another 100 years of service.
Brad
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