certainly a difference between the UK and the USA

my thoughts- if you have something that is in the truly collectable category, leave it alone- a high condition small bore Parker or Fox for example. condition and rarity should be the guide.

But old isn't always collectable, maybe we should look to old cars as a guide- a model A Ford found left in a field is not exactly a coffin nose Cord found properly stored as new for 70 years. Maybe the Ford can be restored, the Cord is a museum piece.

but the vast majority of American guns are field grade and well used. If some repairs or alterations will give them another generation or two of life- why not?