I like project guns...especially something that REALLY turns out nice. Pristine, unmolested collector stuff is OK, but a redone rifle is better. It looks great (sometimes better than originally) but can be used, due to collector status being less than a pristine rifle. It all depends on who does the work.

Here's a Winchester take-down that was case-hardened and blued by my bud, Justin McMillan. He also rebuilt and cased the Redfield receiver sight as an additional touch. He left the stock alone, except for steaming out some dents and adding a coat of oil. It looks better with the aged look he wanted, instead of a complete stock refinish.

Bore (.30-30) is mint. I like this one.
Bob

Whelen butt stock on the gun....

You lost me on that one.
Bob

Fluted comb, often found on special order guns....

Roger that. It has a crescent butt (also cased). This was a basket case and a total beater when Justin started work on it. It had a nice bore though, so it was a good candidate for a re-do. Markings are still sharp, take-down threads are like-new and there's no wood shrinkage. Wish it were mine.
Bob

Nice!

Damn Bob, That is a beauty. Justin's got some talent.

He does. He's pretty good for a pistolsmith. How's my knife looking? The waiting is killing me!
Bob

Beautiful.