This process is established by S&W sometime after WWI. Smith Wesson hired the American Gas Furnace Company to develop a bluing oil that included special whale oil. The guns were put in a rotating drum loaded with wheal oil and charcoal, and the drums were warmed in the oven while the oil/charcoal mix rotated around the parts inside the drum.

Yes. Every bluing kit you find on this list is capable of bluing guns of different types and sizes. What kind of finishing will I get using these kits? Do not simply apply the bluing solution once. For a proper finish, you’ll likely need to apply it around seven times, using a new piece of steel wool to smooth out every new layer. Hot bluing has become so popular because of its ability to be done in volume. Multiple guns can be done at one time and are therefore needed by firearms manufacturers today. The limiting factor for hot bluing is its temperature. Depending on your altitude, the temperature of the tanks is between 260 and 320 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hotter than some soft solders used on double shotgun barrels and can potentially melt the solder and ruin the barrels. Rust bluing is a better option for parts with soft solder. Borden Radio Company (December 27, 2010). "Radio Kits and Designs for Old and New Styles". Xtalman.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023 . Retrieved September 3, 2012.

Skill Level: Bluing can be challenging, especially for hot and stainless steel bluing. Beginners should start with cold bluing or seek professional guidance. Fume bluing is another process similar to rust bluing. Instead of applying the acid solution directly to the metal parts, the parts are placed in a sealed cabinet with a moisture source, a container of nitric acid and a container of hydrochloric acid. The mixed fumes of the acids produce a uniform rust on the surface of the parts (inside and out) in about 12 hours. The parts are then boiled in distilled water, blown dry, then carded, as with rust bluing. Oil and Reassemble: Apply gun oil to protect the finish, and reassemble the firearm as needed. Charcoal Bluing In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the steps involved in the bluing process, shedding light on the nuances of each method and offering valuable insights to help you achieve the best results. Understanding Bluing On the other hand, if this is your carry gun, bluing is a great way to protect it from rust. A gun you have on you everyday, however, is prone to wear and may need another touch-up later on. Keep this in mind when choosing the bluing method. Another method, called “case hardening” was especially common during the 1700 and 1800s, but is still popular today! How to prepare your firearm

Yes, once the bluing process is completed, the blued surface can be polished to achieve a smooth and shiny appearance. 15. Is gun bluing legal? Hot blue and cold blue are two very different processes that produce a blued metal finish. The hot bluing method requires a lot more equipment than cold blue does. Hot bluing refers to the process of submersing the metal parts in a hot bath of bluing salts to get the desired color. Where cold blue, the solution is wiped on without the need to heat the metal parts. Hot blue is more durable than cold blue and is the preferred method. Cold bluing should be reserved for small parts and touch-ups. Gun browning is often found on old muzzleloaders such as this one. What is Gun Browning? By rebluing your gun, you can help prevent gun rust that will ultimately make it harder to maintain your gun’s value down the road. Immersion: Immerse the gun parts into the niter bluing solution. The immersion and temperature duration may vary, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Surface Preparation: As in previous methods, ensure a smooth surface by sanding and using steel wool.Gun browning is another method often used to color metal parts on firearms to mimic the finish traditionally found on muzzleloading rifles, pistols, and shotguns. By the 1700s, Colonial gunsmiths had figured out how to achieve that beautiful brown color and preferred to use it on their firearms. The brown color is a product of surface rust forming and being removed repeatedly. This brown sheen reduced the reflection of the bare steel and provided protection against the elements. Next, you have to polish the metal of the gun so that you can remove the scratches on the surface and the rusts. Steel wool or sandpaper can be used for this.