Rem 721-Post blueing problems

[Oldncrusty]

I had my 721 reblued about 6 months ago. When I got it home the action was so rough I could hardly work the bolt. My gunsmith has since passed away, and I never did get with him to diagnose the trouble. I assumed he had greased it up after the blueing. Now I just read about blueing salt residue causing action stiffness if not given a water wash. Can these salts cause gun damage, and how do I get did of them? Thanks

 

[wiscoaster]

Disassemble the gun. Remove the whitish bluing residue with lightly oiled #0000 steel wool. Clean and degrease all action parts. Look for where the moving parts are contacting each other by their wear traces. Lightly sand those areas with 600 grit then 1500 grit until the sanded areas are glassy smooth to the touch. Clean again to remove all metal particles that result from sanding and steel wooling. Lubricate normally and reassemble. Repeat if not happy with the results.

 

[Oldncrusty]

Disassemble the gun. Remove the whitish bluing residue with lightly oiled #0000 steel wool. Clean and degrease all action parts. Look for where the moving parts are contacting each other by their wear traces. Lightly sand those areas with 600 grit then 1500 grit until the sanded areas are glassy smooth to the touch. Clean again to remove all metal particles that result from sanding and steel wooling. Lubricate normally and reassemble. Repeat if not happy with the results.

Thanks for the info. I was mainly wondering whether it specifically needs a water bath to remove bluing salts

 

[wiscoaster]

No, there aren't any bluing salts left, I don't think, just the residue, which is causing your friction.

 

[mnrivrat]

Neutralizing the bluing salts are important. That is the purpose of the water bath after a hot blue. A water bath of the metal in my opinion is a good idea. Then blow it dry and generous oil lube .

 

[Oldncrusty]

Neutralizing the bluing salts are important. That is the purpose of the water bath after a hot blue. A water bath of the metal in my opinion is a good idea. Then blow it dry and generous oil lube .

Thanks. I think I found a new gunsmith that I need to visit next week. I'll take it with me check into havin him give it a bath. Hopefully, there hasn't been any damage done to the bore.

 

[mnrivrat]

Thanks. I think I found a new gunsmith that I need to visit next week. I'll take it with me check into havin him give it a bath. Hopefully, there hasn't been any damage done to the bore.

Bluing salts will in fact cause damage eating away at the finish and metal. It can be seen as a white residue and can hide in area's like barrel threads and small crevasses. It can also hide under oil and not be noticed until some damage has been done. This may or may not be the cause of your action stiffness, but a neutralizing flush after hot blue is absolutely a necessity. If it wasn't done well, it certainly needs to be done asap . You taking it to the new GS is a sound idea. There is a reason for the action being like it is so no matter what the problem needs to be addressed.

 

[Oldncrusty]

Bluing salts will in fact cause damage eating away at the finish and metal. It can be seen as a white residue and can hide in area's like barrel threads and small crevasses. It can also hide under oil and not be noticed until some damage has been done. This may or may not be the cause of your action stiffness, but a neutralizing flush after hot blue is absolutely a necessity. If it wasn't done well, it certainly needs to be done asap . You taking it to the new GS is a sound idea. There is a reason for the action being like it is so no matter what the problem needs to be addressed.

Thank you muchly for the info.