Recommend a good bluing shop?

W

WallyM3

Inactive
I've got a Colt 1903 that is in desperate need of a re-blue. There is no pitting of the metal, so it's a good platform for someone who knows his business. The problem with most blue jobs is that the polishers all seem to be in a heavy-handed hurry, leaning hard into the wheel, hell bent on rounding sharp corners.:eek::mad:

Has somebody got a lead on an outstanding re-blue operation that might take on this commission?

Would be much appreciated.

Wally.
 
Wally,

I hate to say it, but the ones who make them looked like a sucked on lollipop, have never been taught to polish correctly. Polishing is almost an art form, as not only do you have to leave the edges sharp, but you can't dish out screw holes, and remove any lettering. A good polisher will never leave any pits, either, unless removing them would remove lettering, and they would have to be right next to it. Last, any matching pieces of the frame have to be polished together, or the seam will stick out like a sore thumb. Plus, a good gunsmith will know how to draw file, etc., and would never allow a gun to go out looking bad, even if he lost money on it.

Also, there are several levels of polishing, according to what the customer wants. A hunter finish, starting with 120 grit on a sewn wheel, and finished with 220 grit on a loose muslin, for a brushed, non-reflective, look. Then there's the standard factory finish, finishing at 400 grit, and then a mirror, finishing at 550 to 600 grit. Last, there is the hand polished finish, using hard filing boards and grit cloth.

If you don't care to spend the money, Doug Turnbull would be the best, but it is expensive. The reason I say the best bet, is because he can do any form of coloring, and they look factory perfect.

http://www.turnbullmfg.com/
 
Thanks, Dixie. I'm thinking that Turnbull is way above this one. I really admire his superlative work and if I had a 1876 Win, he'd be the man I's send it to. And then I'd need to be prepared to wait. I understand that he's doing (or did) the case hardening for U. S. Fire Arms Mfg., in addition to his own work.

Thanks, Clyde, for your links. I'd like to keep this one "Colt blue". I've been sending the Mausers I've built out for the Cerakote finish (these are finished up sporter style), and have been please with the look. Very business-like. But, I just don't think I'd like it on this one. Though it is something to keep in mind.

I understand some were Parked, though maybe that was some of the .380 General Office issue guns.

I'll touch base with Turnbull and the other leads.

Thanks, guys.
 
I agree with everything Dixie Gunsmithing said; Doug Turnbull is the best.
However WallyM3 I understand you may not want to go to that level.

There's another option you may want to consider, that would be Colt's custom shop.
I'm not sure what their cost or work load is like, but they are turning out some nice blue jobs on guns.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com
 
Other than Turnbull, here's the top refinishers in America.

All three have an industry wide reputation for top quality work. They can do any level of finish from a flat black to a gloss blue. The last two can do a close version of Colt Royal Blue, or even shinier:

http://www.apwcogan.com/

http://www.fordsguns.com/

http://www.gunbluing.com/

Colt no longer does any work on most older models due to the inability to furnish repair parts if they find a problem.
However, ask. A Colt factory re-blue is best to maintain the value.
 
Ford's is just down the road from me - I have not used them, but folks I shoot with have and have liked their service and work
 
Colt has started a custom shop and to my uderstanding they are bluing guns.
However I can't be sure if they limit that to just certain models.
It would be worth a call to see what they say, I' ve seen some old 1911's they blued and they sure were nice.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com
 
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