Bluing shows off (and somewhat protects) the quality of the metal finish. Paint covers up sloppy machine marks and finishing. I guess the real question is: Do you care whether your gun is a finely forged, finished and assembled instrument, or just a tool to shoot and bang nails with?
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Why are guns blued?
- Thread starter countryfied252
- Start date
Bluing is very pretty and if well cared for will last quite some time. As far as it's protective qualities, it leaves much to be desired. There are only two things that will rust faster than a blued gun: bare metal and anything with that finish that Remington 700 SPS rifles have on them. I don't know what that stuff is but you can look at it the wrong way and it will rust. For guns that will see real world use (concealed/duty carry, large amounts of hunting in inclement weather, etc.), bluing is a poor choice. For range toys and safe queens bluing is fine if you will maintain it well.
I've noticed a definite shift away from bluing on new firearms in the last couple of years, particularly on "work" guns. I saw a new Marlin 336 the other day, for example, stocked in laminate and sporting a Duracoat type finish. Not as pretty as an old one, but definitely more durable.
I've noticed a definite shift away from bluing on new firearms in the last couple of years, particularly on "work" guns. I saw a new Marlin 336 the other day, for example, stocked in laminate and sporting a Duracoat type finish. Not as pretty as an old one, but definitely more durable.
FrankenMauser
New member
There you go, some one finally stated it clearly.Bluing is not a coating... It's a finish. It's a form of oxidation. the metal is soaked in a tank filled with water, and salt peter. Depending on the ratio of water to salt peter, the temerature, and how long the parts soak will determine the color and quality of the blue job.
Bluing is not a coating. It's a finish treatment.
...a controlled oxidation process, aka 'rust'.
I dont know about Blue guns easily rusting, or the bluing wearing off. I have a S&W victory with 80% of the origonal bluing. MY service revolver was purchased in 1973. I wore it for 25 years in all kinds of weather, pulled from the holster thousands of times... and it's about 90% with some holster wear at the tip of the barrel, and the bluing is lightening on the back-strap.
Oxidation is the chemical reaction between the subject material and oxygen. Everything oxidizes. If not cared for stainless steel will rust. IMO Every firearm will rust to some degree, but is usually fine with a little TLC.
Oxidation is the chemical reaction between the subject material and oxygen. Everything oxidizes. If not cared for stainless steel will rust. IMO Every firearm will rust to some degree, but is usually fine with a little TLC.