bluing question

[gordon29]

i have a couple of guns that i favor alot with some slight marks and some light surface rust on them for example(i use these guns alot) the winchester boys rifle, rem 1100, winchester 1200 i dont plan on ever selling them but if i pay for a quality hot bluing job for them would it depreciate the value of the gun or enhance it. the 1100 i use for deer and skeet shooting the 1200 i use for rabbit and the 67a boys rifle i would like to use for coon hunting just as my grandfather did for many years.

[westkybanded]

None of them are probably worth what a quality hot blue job would cost. I think the blemishes add to the character of a gun.

From a collector's standpoint, the honest wear is more desirable than a re-blue.

[trust me]

None of them are probably worth what a quality hot blue job would cost. I think the blemishes add to the character of a gun.

From a collector's standpoint, the honest wear is more desirable than a re-blue.

My feelings exactly. Grandpa put those scratches on that old Winchester and I would get more of a warm feeling from the scratches than i would from a shiny new finish. Keep the guns oiled after each use and enjoy.

I refinished my pap's old working Browning A-5, but only because the finish was totally gone and the wood was suffering. If it stayed in the case I'd have left it alone but that old warhorse has a lot of good hunting left in it and will see lots of weather and abuse in the future.

[stalkingbear]

If it were me, I'd keep using them as is. It wouldn't be worth the trouble to hot blue them, and cold blue would wear off rather quickly.

[Kcoyboy]

Use some brass wool ( avail Brownells) with some oil to take care of the rust. If you go lightly it wont damage the bluing. Next I would take off the stock and forend and apply some brakeclean to the metal . Then I would heat the barrel up a tad with a heat gun or hairdryer so its warm to very warm to the touch. Not too hot by any means. Then apply a thin coat of Brownells Dicropan T4 touch up cold blue to the needed areas and slowly rubvery lightly with super fine steelwool ooo I believe thats what Ive used. Dont put the steelwool up to the blueing bottle or the same rag or will contaminate the bottle. leave on for a little then wipe off with a wet towell. Repeat this a few times and you will see the bluing work. Ive tried applying with out the steekwool and the steelwool works better I guess its working with the steelwool too Start with a small area if you are afraid of messin up. But this has really worked for me. Ive done lots of old guns this way. Now its certainlynot as good as a new bluing job but it sure looks a lot better than the rust!! do in a well ventilated area and dont breath the fumes !!! good luck