Opinions requested

[jmcalli]

I have the1875 grade 5 shotgun from the post a few below this one. It is clean, but the damascus barrel is very faint, except under the foreward wood.
Should I have the barrels refinished?

Also, does anyone know of a good gunsmith near Syracuse, NY for appraisal and possibly the refinishing?

Thanks, Jim

[DavidFagan]

Absolutely not! You will destroy the value of this firearm.

[Researcher]

Ultimately it is your gun and it is your call. IMHO your gun is too nice to be messed with. Doug Turnbull at Bloomfield, New York, is probably the top restoration man in the country -- http://www.turnbullrestoration.com/

Probably the top man for refinishing Twist, Laminated and Damascus barrels is Buck Hamlin.

[2shooter]

Jim, I agree with Dave do not refinish your gun you will be wasting your money. Wipe it down and enjoy it. Take the money you would spend refinishing and buy something else (gun). Remington.

[jmcalli]

Thanks to all-this looks like good advice.

Does Doug Turnbull do appraisals?I need to have that done for insurance purposes.
Thanks.