[hexum77]

Is it the finish on the metal? I read this quite often (not sure if it's a rifle only thing or what, so I posted it here) and I have no clue what it is. Googled it and wikipedia'ed it but it didn't help much :/

[bluethunder1962]

All I know it IS the finish and it keeps the steel from rusting. Or helps keep it from rusting. When they do it it turns the metal a blue color. Since I don.t know much about it I just buy Stainless.

[rcmodel]

Bluing is rust.

Bluing is basically magnetite rust (Fe3O4), the black oxide of iron formed on the surface of the metal.

It is done today most often in a hot bath containing bluing salts that form the iron oxide.
A freshly blued gun comes out of the bath covered in bright red iron oxide (Fe2O3) or red rust.

This is carded off with a fine wire wheel, or by hand with steel wool and oil.

Under the red iron oxide rust, is black magnetite rust, or blueing as it is called.

rc

[68wj]

It is essentially a controlled layer of corrosion that prevents uncontrolled corrosion (rust). There are many techniques and processes that produce various finishes.

[JRH6856]

Read this. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_%28steel%29)

[hexum77]

cool! Thanks. Now I finally know what it is :)

[303tom]

It is a controlled Rusting..............

[bluethunder1962]

See there. I was right. I know what I am talking about. ........I said I don't know much about it and these smart guys proved me right.