My local enabler just got in an old Marlin in 38-55. Octagon barrel must be 26/28 inches long makes the gun real heavy in the front. Unfortunately it is not wearing its original bluing and the job was poorly done there are some awful spots on the barrel that are bare of blue and the buffing job that was done prior to rebluing was just terrible, the corners are rounded in some spots and not in others, the engraved "Marlin" on top of the receiver is wallered out quite a bit as is the engraving on the barrel and the blue looks like it was put on with a spray can but it ain't paint. Overall it is butt ugly. The stock has dings and scratches and looks like it was refinished right over all the dings and scratches and dirt and crud that was on it and was done without removing the wood to do it. Mechanically it is in very good shape. Nice bore with sharp rifling. I am wondering if it is worth it to buy and reblue, clean up the furniture or maybe acquire a new stock. As it sits it is just screaming at me "make me pretty again"
Because it was so yugly I did not even ask the price, but as I was cruising along the shelves down in the dungeon I came across two, yes TWO brand spanking new sets of 38-55 RCBS dies and I am pretty sure I have some brass down there also.
So I may go back and take another closer examination of it and inquire about the price.
Anything I should know before doing so? I have no experience with the caliber so if anyone can learn me something about it I am all ears, or eyes as this is a visual media.
Thanks for anything you got.