[Big Russ]

Ok this question has been boggling me for a few days... I watched a video on MidwayUSA on flame bluing small parts with a propane torch. My question is, can this technique be used on larger parts of the rifle, such as the barrel?

I'm contemplating trying this out on one of my older shotguns if it's possible, after some barrel re-work of course...

[Greg Mercurio]

You can do a barrel if you want to keep the barrelmaker of your choice in Wheaties.

[Jim K]

That kind of bluing looks good, but is not permanent and because of the heat involved should never be used on any heat treated part, like a barrel, receiver, or bolt.

On some older guns, the color was part of the heat treatment process and was carefully controlled, but trying to duplicate it can result in trouble.

Jim

[LongRifles, Inc.]

"Niter" bluing is as durable as the laquer finish that's applied over it after its done.

While it looks very pretty when done correctly it's also very, very, very challenging to do on parts larger than pins/screws. It'll warp things and applying the heat evenly is tough.

What this is exactly is bringing material up to a specific tempering color: blue. Blue is about 600F.

This should not be confused with "case color hardening" or "case color" which is a completely different process.

Hope this helped.

[Big Russ]

Hmm I see... well darn there goes that idea. Thanks guys!

[The Gunman]

Careful with the heat, you don't want to anneal anything that is supposed to be a certain strength. If you put enough heat on the barrel or receiver to color it, it will likely be ruined. Perhaps PAINFULLY so.