Smith and Wesson blue finishes

[Action_Can_Do]

Hello everyone. I am constantly hearing that the new blueing used by S&W isn't near as nice as it was from decades back. Well, the only blued Smith I own is from this year ( a beautiful 50th anniversary Model 29 ) and I don't have any friends with older ones to compare. Does anyone here have pictures that show the difference between new and old?

 

[Confederate]

Greetings. Yes, Smith & Wesson used to produce a beautiful carbona blue which was known for its luster and richness. The factory discontinued that in the 1980s because the Carbona bluing process was harmful to the environment and also was expensive. They have since used an acid blue which lacks the beauty of the older blue, but is just as resistant to holster wear and corrosion (which isn't saying a lot).

If you have an older Smith, you might want to keep it as you'll never see such bluing again. Some independent finishers can come close (fer a hefty price), but most use what's called a nitre blue that is close, but no cigar. Very few if any use same process Smith used, so if you have a piece blued, ask about the process.

Still, you said your 29 was beautiful, so I wouldn't worry about it. But when you see the bluing Smith and Colt used to use, you'll be impressed.

 

[Majic]

The first thing you will notice is the older bluing is really blue meaning you see a blue color. What you see today is more of a black than a blue. You will have to one in person to really appreciate it.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Part of the difference between old and new bluing is the polishing before the firearm is blued. The better the polish, the better the blue.

Here's your clue: polishing requires expertise, and expertise costs money.