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Has ANYONE ever had success at cold-blueing a firearm?
My frustrated mind. ^ | Jan 27, 2019 | Me

Posted on 01/27/2019 9:01:09 AM PST by OldSmaj

Trying to protect a snake killin' gun with cold-blue solution.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: firearms; gunsmithing; vanityepidemic
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I have a Mossberg 183T (Bolt action .410 shotgun) that I rescued from a pawn shop years ago.

It had a broken stock, broken mag spring, bent barrel and no finish left on it.

I fixed the stock with a cut-down pistol grip...think "Broom handled Mauser", fixed the mag spring, cut the bent portion of the barrel off and ended up with a pretty nice little "Snakerator" that I keep on my tractor or ATV when I'm out and about on my "ranch".

Problem is, it rusts immediately and I really don't enjoy keeping it buffed down and I don't want to slather it with oil every other day.

So I tried to cold-blue it...and it looks like the ass end of a jack ass, or Pelosi's face, whichever is worse.

But, no rust, so...

Anyway, any tips on cold-blueing?

This is my third or fourth try on various weapons, none of which had a real monetary investment in them.

I paid 20 bucks for the 183T back in 2004 or so and it is legal, as far as the "sawed-off shotgun" aspect.

1 posted on 01/27/2019 9:01:09 AM PST by OldSmaj
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To: OldSmaj

Just paint it.


2 posted on 01/27/2019 9:02:46 AM PST by TexasGator (Z1z)
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To: OldSmaj

You can try warming it up. I got the results you describe when I did a Winchester 21 that someone had “ polished. “ Maybe try Birchwood-Casey’s bluing paste. Sounds like a good excuse to experiment with Duracoat, or some of the other finishes, though.


3 posted on 01/27/2019 9:07:35 AM PST by gundog ( Hail to the Chief, bitches!)
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To: OldSmaj

I tried it on two occasions over the years..., a total waste of time in my opinion!


4 posted on 01/27/2019 9:07:56 AM PST by ExSES (the "bottom-line")
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To: TexasGator
Just paint it.

I did.

Kubota orange.

It flaked off within days and promptly rusted.

It were pretty while it lasted, though.

5 posted on 01/27/2019 9:09:49 AM PST by OldSmaj
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To: OldSmaj

What product did you use?

I have had good results with Van’s Instant Gun Blue, but never on a complete firearm, just small hardware, screws and the like.

There’s an old thread on FR which might be helpful.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2613367/posts


6 posted on 01/27/2019 9:10:33 AM PST by Fresh Wind (Fox News: "We distort, you deride")
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To: OldSmaj
Use Oxpho from Brownell's.

Use the paste, not the liquid. Works great for me.

7 posted on 01/27/2019 9:12:33 AM PST by SIDENET
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To: OldSmaj

I’ve done it a few times. for cosmetics. You still have to oil the surface afterwards to protect against rust.


8 posted on 01/27/2019 9:14:12 AM PST by fso301
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To: gundog
Sounds like a good excuse to experiment...

Yep, I'm going to try that Plum-Brown treatment...I think that's what it's called.

Heat to 275 degrees, slather it on and it comes up brownish, similar to the finishes on much older guns, particularly flintlocks, etc.

Don't like Dura-Coat.

But thanks for the suggestions.

9 posted on 01/27/2019 9:14:15 AM PST by OldSmaj
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To: OldSmaj

I have an older 870 wingmaster with a rust issue. I had the barrel sandblasted then used derusto high temp flat black. No flaking, no rust, looks better than the original bluing.


10 posted on 01/27/2019 9:18:06 AM PST by chief lee runamok (expect nothing)
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To: OldSmaj
I don't know what cold-bluing is so I did a search.

Have you tried this method?

The Best "Cold Blue" Method There is!

"After years of experimenting with different cold blues, and trying to match the results of a hot blue, I came up with a method of achieving results similar to a hot blue. You know cold blue only chemically turns the metal black, it doesn't offer any protection whatsoever. Now this is something that will do that. Order Mark Lee's express brown and Oxpho blue paste from Brownells."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-CDOJF-TmY

11 posted on 01/27/2019 9:18:24 AM PST by yesthatjallen
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To: Fresh Wind
Thanks.

I did a search, but nothing came up.

Some good info on that thread...and some good suggestions on this one.

I have used the Van's...but only on small stuff, screws, etc, as you said.

I don't think it will work well on larger surfaces.

I've used all three Birchwood-Casey products and the Brownells solution.

I have seen some decent finishes, but I guess I'm destined to never get one myself.

Thanks.

12 posted on 01/27/2019 9:20:19 AM PST by OldSmaj
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To: OldSmaj

I used a high temperature epoxy engine paint on one of my CZ82s and it worked pretty well.

Just sand and spray. (It can take a number of days to completely cure/harden.)


13 posted on 01/27/2019 9:20:35 AM PST by 2111USMC (Aim Small Miss Small)
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To: yesthatjallen

For future reference, Thanks in advance!


14 posted on 01/27/2019 9:23:09 AM PST by matthew fuller (https://patriotpost.us/alexander/13407-the-battle-of-athens-tennessee)
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To: yesthatjallen
I'll try anything once.

I have used the Oxpho...but it was in liquid solution, not a paste.

I've had more than one suggestion for the paste.

Thanks.

15 posted on 01/27/2019 9:23:27 AM PST by OldSmaj
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To: OldSmaj

Cold blue is for spot fixes.
If I were you, I would completely disassemble it; de-grease it; sand blast it and Cerakote it yourself. Very easy to do and a variety of colors to suit your fancy. I usually use the H series when I am doing a customers rifle or pistol.
Have not had a problem yet.
If you do go the Cerakote route, just a tip. After de-greasing (waiting 12-14 hours to dry) and sand blasting; heat the metal parts up to 375 degrees (you can use your oven; I did when I was starting out) for about 30 minutes. If there is any oil left in the pours of the metal, they will show up when heating. Literally, rinse and repeat if you spot oily spots.
After that. You can use an airbrush kit to apply the Cerakote if you don’t have a a good paint sprayer. I recommended a decent first coat and letting it set up for 20 minutes then a good second coat. Let the parts sit for an hour or so depending on the ambient temps at your location. After that, follow the directions for the grade Cerakote you purchased and cure it in your oven.

I do not work for or have any affiliation with Cerakote. It’s done well by me and I choose it over and over and customers seem to really like it.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out here or freepmail me.

Best of luck...


16 posted on 01/27/2019 9:24:28 AM PST by afterhoursarmory
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To: 2111USMC
I used a high temperature epoxy engine paint...

I'm considering that.

Glyptal has been suggested.

I'm not looking for pretty.

Thanks.

17 posted on 01/27/2019 9:28:14 AM PST by OldSmaj
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To: OldSmaj
The trick to any bluing job is prepping. It needs to be sanded and the residual oil removed.

I have cold blued, hot blued and painted firearms. IF the prep job is crap the finished product is crap.

18 posted on 01/27/2019 9:28:23 AM PST by eartick (Stupidity is expecting the government that broke itself to go out and fix itself. Texan for TEXIT!)
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To: OldSmaj

Parkerizing your firearm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAR48-W7cGE


19 posted on 01/27/2019 9:30:18 AM PST by PapaBear3625 ("Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities." -- Voltaire)
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To: SIDENET

Your correct. The paste is better than the liquid.


20 posted on 01/27/2019 9:30:44 AM PST by MCF (If my home can't be my Castle, then it will be my Alamo)
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