Rust blue services

Status
Not open for further replies.
I disagree with @Jackrabbit1957 on a couple of minor points wrt Uberti and Colt Second Generation revolvers but if I were to send a revolver out for work and an incidental refinish, he would be one of the first people I would consult. He’s been on the board forever, is obviously passionate about blackpowder firearms, has a loyal following, and he’s garnered a raft of positive reviews. I think his plan to offer rust blue fits perfectly with the work he’s already doing so he should be able to keep overhead and turnaround time in line. Best of luck @Jackrabbit1957 !
 
If I can figure out how post photos on this contraption I will get some on here. Did it a few years ago but forgot how I did it.
 
I can understand that point Jim, I am really on the fence about this. The main thing about offering the service was to see if there was any interest, maybe something for a guy with a basket case gun that was acquired for next to nothing, to bring back to a decent looking piece. The big issue for me and the customer is what is it worth to both of us?
 
Jackrabbit1957 said:
I can understand that point Jim, I am really on the fence about this. The main thing about offering the service was to see if there was any interest, maybe something for a guy with a basket case gun that was acquired for next to nothing, to bring back to a decent looking piece. The big issue for me and the customer is what is it worth to both of us?
Click to expand...
I say give it a whirl. Not everyone is going to want or even prefer services of an "independent" gunsmith, but there are plenty who will. And there's no other way for you to find out whether it's worth your time and effort unless you try it out and evaluate the results.
 
Jackrabbit1957 said:
I can understand that point Jim, I am really on the fence about this. The main thing about offering the service was to see if there was any interest, maybe something for a guy with a basket case gun that was acquired for next to nothing, to bring back to a decent looking piece. The big issue for me and the customer is what is it worth to both of us?
Click to expand...

I am the guy with the basket case gun, acquired back in the day when used BP revolvers was cheap. But, said gun (1860) has much sentimental value, is not timed the best, and the blue on the barrel has been through many barrel shortenings, sheared loading latch studs, and front sights popping off when chained fired with 777. (777 will never touch any of my guns again) But even in it's sorry cosmetic state, she's reliable and never jams. When the day comes for a full tune-up, I would gladly go for a re-blue and have a nice looking pistol which would last the rest of my days. It would be worth it.

Now when I would save up the extra dough to do that, is another question. If I could sell the damn snowmobile (I love the snow sled actually, but need to move on to other things) I'd do it right now. But no one will buy it. !!!
 
Ugly Sauce said:
I am the guy with the basket case gun, acquired back in the day when used BP revolvers was cheap. But, said gun (1860) has much sentimental value, is not timed the best, and the blue on the barrel has been through many barrel shortenings, sheared loading latch studs, and front sights popping off when chained fired with 777. (777 will never touch any of my guns again) But even in it's sorry cosmetic state, she's reliable and never jams. When the day comes for a full tune-up, I would gladly go for a re-blue and have a nice looking pistol which would last the rest of my days. It would be worth it.

Now when I would save up the extra dough to do that, is another question. If I could sell the damn snowmobile (I love the snow sled actually, but need to move on to other things) I'd do it right now. But no one will buy it. !!!
Click to expand...
Hmmmm… what kind of sled and where? ?
 
My Broomhandle Mauser, got it as a basket case. Bought the missing parts, sent it off to have the barrel lined. It is fun to shoot with target loads but downright brutal with normal 9 mm loads. That's a piece of inner tube on the handle to try to lessen the whack from standard loads.
 
Jackrabbit1957 said:
Here's my CVA Walker that I blued.View attachment 1070294
Click to expand...
Very nice! I think my 2 Dragoons could use that kind of treatment. After a good tune up, anyways.

This might be a stupid question, but how, or is the bore protected during the rust bluing process, or does it get blued as well? Related, and also possibly a stupid question, does anyone know the difference between the ferric oxide coating produced by bathing iron/steel in vinegar, and what's produced with rust bluing, salt bluing, and hot bluing? I've blued, or really, blackened several knives, a machete, some old pliers, and a few gun parts before by a process involving vinegar with similar-looking, but more matte results. My guess is that the oxidation state is different, but I don't know how useful that information is in terms of how functional the coatings are.
 
No such thing as a stupid question, the ends are plugged with a hardwood plug carved to fit. The hot salts blue is I believe a much thinner layer of oxide where as the rust blue builds up multiple layers. Keep in mind that both are a rusting process.
 
I lusted over the Mauser for years, until I picked one up for cheap… I sold it for a small profit after a couple of weeks.
 
I always wanted one as well, started shooting it a little more regularly and found it downright uncomfortable with standard 9mm loads. I put that piece of inner tube on the grip and helps a little to ease the sting. Makes me curious how bad the .30 cal versions hurt.
 
Jackrabbit1957 said:
always wanted one as well, started shooting it a little more regularly and found it downright uncomfortable with standard 9mm loads. I put that piece of inner tube on the grip and helps a little to ease the sting. Makes me curious how bad the .30 cal versions hurt.
Click to expand...
Several years ago I shot my friends .30 Mauser and don't remember the recoil being too bad. As a matter of fact I don't recall taking note of it at all.
 
Winston Churchill (21st Lancers) used one of those Mausers at Omdurman (Sept. 1898) during the Mahdist War. In one of his newspaper dispatches he called it "a ripper".

Jackrabbit, that Walker you reblued is a real looker. Beautiful. I especially like the finish you created. How'd you do that? Did you 'knock back' the blue with an abrasive? Looks great.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

P
  • Locked
1858 project: removing the blue
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Dithsoer
D
B
  • Locked
Neglected Thompson Center Hawken
Replies
16
Views
2K
gwpercle
gwpercle
W
  • Locked
Colt Signature Series
Replies
14
Views
642
CHM
C
H
  • Locked
Belgian Blue or Rust Blue
Replies
5
Views
3K
hilltopper55
H
R
  • Locked
T/C Hawken in .45 cal. ....
Replies
10
Views
837
gotgcoalman
G
Back
Top