Gun Blue

[Kahi]

Not sure if anyone has any experience with re-bluing an older rifle. I have an old .22 that I've had since I was a kid, and it was old even back then. Must be 50 years old, but the original blue has started gone in most spots.

Anyone know if re-bluing will reduce the value?

Is re-bluing a DIY project or should I send it to the local gunsmith?

Any thoughts or input would be appreciated.

Im would be pleased to do a photo post about the process, if that appeals to the group..

Thanks,

Kahi

[wishiniwasfishin69]

unless it is restored by someone who really knows what they are doing, anything you do to a gun will reduce the value drastically. I had a buddy that decided to reblue a shotgun made in 1875....afterwards he was told that had he left it alone it would have sold for 4 or 5 times as much.

[nautiduck]

Depends on the gun there are a 1001 old .22s out there some are valuable some arent just based on what they are with originality being very important. If its just old and has more sentmental worth than monetary, than reblueing or reblacking can be done DIY style. Based on the guessed age you probably want to "black" the gun not "blue" it. Blacking is a stronger finish and easier to do evenly. Ive done a few myself and they have turned out exceptionally well. There kits you can buy or you can make your own. Check Brownells.com for kits. This link http://www.geocities.com/kemays/formula.htm
is similar to the method I used and it gives the amounts to use. My method involves "special" scoops. In other words my Grandad gave them to me and said use 2 of this and 3 of that so its not as easy to write out. To do barrels I made a "pot" out of 8" black iron pipe 3' long capped on both ends with a "slice" off the side I lay it down on my burner and heat it up.

I can not stress enough do this outside while making the mix it will kill you wear a respirator Once its mixed and your soaking the parts its not as bad but the fumes are corrosive dont do it in the same area as anything valuable like other guns... Good luck

[Kahi]

Thank you for the replies. I ordered a DIY kit, and plan on stripping the old blue and prepping the metal for the process...stay tuned...Kahi

[nautiduck]

Just remember be careful where you do it. Dont do it near any other metals you dont want blued. During the process you are actually corroding the metal to protect it, and the fumes the solution gives off will corrode other metals. Good Luck.