I have an H&R model 949.22 revolver that I bought at a gun show back in the 70s. Stuck the darn thing under the seat in my truck, forgot about it, then when stummbling upon it while cleaning my truck the grip finish had peeled and the bluing rusted. I was wondering if anyone had any insight on do-it-yourself refinishing...or maybe this is best left for the professionals? If that's the case the revolver probably isn't worth what it would take to pay someone to do it?
Revolver refinishing?
- Thread starter bamiller
- Start date
Home cold blue, even the best, will start wearing off. However, on something like the revolver you are talking about, it will look good and you can touch it up as needed.
The key to success is metal prep. You want it smooth, shiny and oil free.
I use Van's blue, other people like Brownells. I can't think of the name of theirs, but someone will come along and tell you. I haven't used the Brownells, but I'm sure its good, most of their products are.
Click the link I posted, they have tips and instructions.
Another option would be Duracoat, google it, they have easy to use kits now.
The key to success is metal prep. You want it smooth, shiny and oil free.
I use Van's blue, other people like Brownells. I can't think of the name of theirs, but someone will come along and tell you. I haven't used the Brownells, but I'm sure its good, most of their products are.
Click the link I posted, they have tips and instructions.
Another option would be Duracoat, google it, they have easy to use kits now.
Bill DeShivs
New member
You can play with refinishing it yourself, but none of the cold blues hold up, and they offer no rust protection.
Refinishing guns is best left to professionals.
Refinishing guns is best left to professionals.
Duracoat -- if you want rust protection and don't mind a painted handgun.
http://www.houtsenterprises.net/index.html
http://www.houtsenterprises.net/index.html
I had a similar experience also with a H&R a 999 Sportsman.This was also in the 70's. I was returning from fishing and since this was before cc was legal. So I unloaded it and put it in the glove compartment. I did not know there was a sharpening stone in there and bouncing around on the way home the barrel was scratched and a lot of the blueing was worn off.It has remained this way until a few months ago. A co worker told me about a semi retired gunsmith friend of his who did blueing. Since it was on the barrel only I asked how much it would be to do the barrel.He said he had some other parts to do so $25.It came out a little more black than the original. I'm thinking of having him do the rest.So it may be worth asking around at your local gunsmiths
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Due to the cost and hassle involved with tank bluing, those who do it are scarce and charge accordingly. Unless you run into another retired gunsmith with a bluing setup, the cost would be more than the gun is worth. I would try one of those paint products. But note that even those will not stand up to being thrown around in a toolbox or on a truck floor with old lug nuts and wrenches.
Jim
Jim