Barrel Bluing

[spuddog]

I just bought a 1950's era Husqvarna 270 win from my neighbor. It's in good shape but the bluing is all gone from the barrel and action and it has some very minor surface rust. I'd like to refinish it. Is this something I should only trust a smithy with or can I do it at home. If DIY, any recommendations on what to use and how to do it? I'm thinking that some light steel wool and some WD40 will take care of the rust.

Appreciate any input!

Spud

[millerhunter13]

well i would probaly do it myself but if you dont know what you are doing the blueing might not the best, just make sure you dont touch it at all when you are blueing it i found out the hard way, now if you want to refinish the stock i dont have a clue about that so, but i am sure some here does.

[liquidorange]

cold blueing is not gonna give you that factory result but it will look better. you can get it it hot blued for like 100$ . ive used the blueing paste. i like that better than the liquid.

[mauser06]

if you want it to look new and professional, id take it to a good gunsmith...might run 100+, but you cant match the quality of a hot blue...never tried the cold blue stuff, but never heard any that got great results...

[driftrider]

I've never had good luck with the cold blue kits. I've used them for small touchups, but it doesn't ever produce the deep blue/black of the factory finish. Now, if you really want an awesome bluing job, ask a smith if he can/will rust blue the gun. Rust bluing is a longer and more involved process, but the results are awesome.

Mike

[spuddog]

Thanks for the input. I was reading on line last night and it confirms what you all are saying, although I found a couple of folks that said they had good results. I found an article in Guns and Ammo that says that the rust protection from bluing (cold or hot) is pretty minimal anyway. It might be just as well to work out the rust and keep it oiled.

thanks,

Spud