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Skans · December 5, 2012, 10:54 AM

I have a Winchester 94 made around 1970. It has the usual finish problem on the receiver. I got the gun on a trade, sold the other gun, and have no money in this gun. It's ugly, but works just fine - I call it my "Cabin Gun".

I have read that the receiver can't be blued and if you try it will turn a weird plumb color because it is made of a magnesium-steel alloy. My question is what exactly is magnesium-steel, or whatever steel these receivers are made of? Is it rust/corrosion resistant? What if I just stripped and polished the receiver down to bare metal - would it eventually rust or would it take on an interesting patina?

December 5, 2012, 10:54 AM	#1
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	Winchester 94, Post 64 questions I have a Winchester 94 made around 1970. It has the usual finish problem on the receiver. I got the gun on a trade, sold the other gun, and have no money in this gun. It's ugly, but works just fine - I call it my "Cabin Gun". I have read that the receiver can't be blued and if you try it will turn a weird plumb color because it is made of a magnesium-steel alloy. My question is what exactly is magnesium-steel, or whatever steel these receivers are made of? Is it rust/corrosion resistant? What if I just stripped and polished the receiver down to bare metal - would it eventually rust or would it take on an interesting patina?