Reblueing?

[ScotZ]

My father just passed away a short time ago. He was the one who got me into guns 40 years ago. He left me most of his guns (the ones my stepmother didnt steal or sell). Most of his guns needed some oil and cleaning and they were good to go. A few of them need some rust removed from their barrels and reblueing. He wasnt as dilegent as he once was about cleaning them. I am trying to decide if I should have this done professionally or if it is something I can do. I am very mechanically inclined and I am sure my father would be disappoited if I pay to have it done. He always preached that if another man can do it then I should be able to learn how to do it (no matter what "it" was) I am looking for opinions on whether I should tackle this at home or if it is something best left to the pros. Money isnt really an issue and I have the time. What do you all think?

TIA
Scot

 

[rcmodel]

A hot bluing set-up in the basement or garage is a very bad idea.

The fumes and steam given off by the bluing salts will rust everything in your house bright red in 30 minutes to an hour!

This is one of those times when it pays to pay someone else to do it that has the experience, proper buffing & polishing equipment, and a very well ventilated of-site bluing shop.

BTW: Don't even consider cold bluing.
IMO: And most high quality old guns will not benefit from a Shake & Bake spray paint job either!

rcmodel

 

[woof]

Aren't there some less involved refinishing products for do it yourselfers? Also, is it possible for old "yuck" on guns that aren't real rusty to be removed without having to refinish? I have an old Remington .22 that has been in the family a long time and sitting in a closet for perhaps 40 years. I wasn't so much rusty but the surfaces had a slightly bumpy patina on them. Should I try to remove just that, and with what?, or should I think in terms of getting all the blue off and refinishing with something? Thanks

 

[dclevinger]

rcmodel is right on about a hot bluing set up. It would be best to let a pro handle the job. If you're really stuck on doing it yourself, rust bluing would be an option but it is pretty labor intensive and time consuming. It is a beautiful finish though, and it's what I use on my engraved pieces when possible.

woof, if you remove the patina you will have bare metal exposed and it will have to be refinished.

David

 

[dcoop]

Take your guns down to Peter Garretts Gunsmith's in Newport KY. He does a great job bluing. He did a S&W revolver cylinder for me and it turned out great. Very deep blue. Matches the rest of the gun perfectly. His prices on bluing are very reasonable too.

 

[woof]

Just curious, what would a ballpark range on a bolt action rifle be?