Bluing a Stevens 311

[rangervoss]

I've done my searches and have come up with nothing definitive. I am curious if someone knows what solder held together the bbls on a Stevens 311. I have one that a customer wants to blue but the last thing I want to give back to him is two barrels and one receiver! This is for hot bluing by the way.
Any experience with it?

 

[MadMurdock85]

I do not know what kind but what I do know is that it flows at a relatively low temp. I had to re-solder a forend hanger on one a few years ago and it took NO time at all with map gas.

 

[Kp321]

Do NOT hot blue a 311. You will end up with a hand full of pieces. The receiver can be hot blued but it will probably come out purple. Rust blue or an epoxy paint (Duracoat/Cerakoat) is the answer. The factory finish was some type of rust blue on the barrels.

 

[rangervoss]

Well that's what I was afraid of. I was hoping that the later models used a different solder. I have blued modern doubles with no problems but don't reckon I should take a chance in this. Thanks for the responses

 

[BBBBill]

Rust bluing is not that difficult. Just a little more labor intensive.

 

[Mauser lover]

Rust blue is the way to go, and it isn't hard at all.

 

[rangervoss]

Thought about that but I'm all set up for hot blue. I'm not opposed to learn a new form but I reckon I'm a little concerned with the time it takes and the space and if I need different chemicals

 

[BBBBill]

Spend an hour or so researching rust bluing. Brownells sells several different brands of rust bluing solution and also offers free instructions. You need a hot water tank and burner (you're half way there already), bluing solution, and carding brushes. Prep the metal as usual stopping at 400 grit, boil to get it hot, apply the solution, boil again, card it off, rinse and repeat. Not much more complicated than that to get a great looking finish.

 

[Nappers]

does it happen to be a 311A? those were color cased hardened, some sort of alloy from regular 311's.....

 

[627PCFan]

I have a Stevens 311 in 20 gauge. I duracoated it, couldn't be happier. It never was a beauty queen so no harm there. I had it cold blued before and couldn't keep the rust spots off it even with oil. I gave up.