Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: Sean McKown on June 15, 2013, 07:52:18 PM

Title: Which Gun Blue to use?
Post by: Sean McKown on June 15, 2013, 07:52:18 PM

I am refinishing a CVA double12.   any suggestions on which gun blue to use?  I see track has several, but have never used bluing.  The brrel has been sort of blued, but it seems to have rubed off into sort of a grey patina.  would like to accomplish a deep dark blue.  any help, tips, suggestions are welcomed.  Thanks  Sean

Title: Re: Which Gun Blue to use?
Post by: Captchee on June 16, 2013, 05:52:58 PM

unless you wanting a period type of blue , i would send it off and have it blued .

past that , i have never cared for any of the cold blues  . i do like a good rust black  Niter and fire blue

Title: Re: Which Gun Blue to use?
Post by: Fletcher on June 17, 2013, 01:29:34 AM

I certainly agree with Captchee - if you are starting from scratch a good hot
bluing is really required and I know very few DIY folk who can afford to set that up.

I have used several cold blues for touch ups and they all work after a fashion, but just
never seem to look like new.

Title: Re: Which Gun Blue to use?
Post by: Uncle Russ on June 17, 2013, 11:27:21 AM

When it has absolutely gotta be a cold blue, then there's only one Cold Blue I would consider and that is Oxpho-Blue from Brownells.
It is the best, hands down!
And, I can say this from experience, not something I read in a book.

I have used this bluing for years and never had a problem. I have done several long rifles, a whole bunch of handguns,  and a couple of Side by Sides with really fragile ribs, and it did a great job.
The nicest part of this solution, IMO, is the fact it can even be "polished" during application with 0000 Steel Wool....I have also heard you can apply this stuff with "0" steel wool....it's that good.

Just keep your strokes straight, and none of this round & round stuff that often brings out uneven scratches.
In fact, after bluing, you can even buff the bluing with a large soft wheel and Red Rouge if you keep the speed down under 2,000 RPM.
 
   OXPHO-BLUE® | Brownells  (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/metal-bluing/liquid-cold-bluing-chemicals/oxpho-blue-reg--prod1072.aspx)  

Uncle Russ...

Title: Re: Which Gun Blue to use?
Post by: 30coupe on January 29, 2014, 09:46:03 PM

Quote from: "RussB"

When it has absolutely gotta be a cold blue, then there's only one Cold Blue I would consider and that is Oxpho-Blue from Brownells.
It is the best, hands down!
And, I can say this from experience, not something I read in a book.

I have used this bluing for years and never had a problem. I have done several long rifles, a whole bunch of handguns,  and a couple of Side by Sides with really fragile ribs, and it did a great job.
The nicest part of this solution, IMO, is the fact it can even be "polished" during application with 0000 Steel Wool....I have also heard you can apply this stuff with "0" steel wool....it's that good.

Just keep your strokes straight, and none of this round & round stuff that often brings out uneven scratches.
In fact, after bluing, you can even buff the bluing with a large soft wheel and Red Rouge if you keep the speed down under 2,000 RPM.
 
   OXPHO-BLUE® | Brownells  (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/metal-prep-coloring/metal-bluing/liquid-cold-bluing-chemicals/oxpho-blue-reg--prod1072.aspx)  

Uncle Russ...

I have to agree. I've used Oxpho Blue for years and it is the best cold blue available, bar none. I've done double barrels with it as well as my TC Hawken. It is a very durable and attractive finish. The other cold blue products are generally best used to touch up small areas. Oxpho Blue is designed for and works well for bluing entire guns.