blueing a shotgun

[bo4elk]

I've got an old 870 which has a lot of life left and want to give it to my son. I've replaced the stock, but the blueing is worn off in several places. No rust or pitting, just exposed metal.

Does anyone have experience blueing a shotgun? Does it work as advertised? Any advice? I've seen some recent posts where folks have painted their shotgun, is that the prescribed method for giving it a new look?

[nobrownline]

Originally Posted by bo4elk

I've got an old 870 which has a lot of life left and want to give it to my son. I've replaced the stock, but the blueing is worn off in several places. No rust or pitting, just exposed metal.

Does anyone have experience blueing a shotgun? Does it work as advertised? Any advice? I've seen some recent posts where folks have painted their shotgun, is that the prescribed method for giving it a new look?

Brownells has some bake on lacquer that sprays on then bakes in the oven and works great. I have had better luck with this than blueing. It comes in different colors and wears real well.

[mpmax]

You can strip blueing off the metal with white vinegar. Just throw the stripped receiver in a zip lock back full of the stuff and let it sit over-night. Just wipe the rest of the blueing off with a rag, then put it in another bag of water and baking soda for awhile to kill the acid, then rinse/dry/paint.

[Gun Rod Bow]

Allison and Carey does blueing.

[bo4elk]

Thanks for the advice. I'll post a picture of the results.

[James in Idaho]

I reblued a Model 12 with hot rust bluing. It's not that hard, you just need a boiling tank. Brownell's is the place, and a tank can be welded together with mild steel. Came out very nice.

[Doc_Rhen]

I have used the Reblueing kits a couple times, Birchwood-Casey I think, and they worked ok. It did end up with some streaks in it so if you really want a "pretty" job, I would suggest taking it to a gunsmith.