bluing

bignz · September 3, 2009, 11:57 PM

Does anyone re-blue their 1911 (non-collectible of course) or other blued pistol regularly or even sometimes?

If so can you recommend a type of finish that holds up well to regular holster and handling wear and a reputable company for such work.

Pictures are welcome.

Bill DeShivs · September 4, 2009, 02:55 AM

Refinishing any gun is not to be taken lightly.
The most durable (and expensive) finish is nitriding. The second most durable is industrial hard chrome.

AK103K · September 4, 2009, 10:07 AM

Hard chrome works well, but it to will show use over time. It does pretty much eliminate the rusting problems.

My old blued Commander lasted about a year in in leather holsters before rust did it in. I had it hard chromed, and switched to a kydex holster, and it went another 10+ years of daily use and practice, with minimal rust and wear.

No matter what, if you use it, its going to show it.

This is the Commander above. The black streaks are actually mirror polished chrome.

Dustin0 · September 4, 2009, 10:34 AM

I have cold blue a 1911 it was one that pieces together someone before destroyed the finish. So I striped it and blued it with Birchwood cold blue kit. It holds up ok but you have to keep it oiled or it will lose its finish.

KyJim · September 4, 2009, 12:08 PM

Do you know the story of Sisyphus? Don't store it in a holster. Wipe it down everyday with a soft cloth embedded with Eezox, silicon, or other protectant. Let your gun develop a little character.

September 3, 2009, 11:57 PM	#1
bignz Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: North Texas Posts: 196	bluing Does anyone re-blue their 1911 (non-collectible of course) or other blued pistol regularly or even sometimes? If so can you recommend a type of finish that holds up well to regular holster and handling wear and a reputable company for such work. Pictures are welcome.

September 4, 2009, 02:55 AM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 6,457	Refinishing any gun is not to be taken lightly. The most durable (and expensive) finish is nitriding. The second most durable is industrial hard chrome. __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

September 4, 2009, 10:07 AM	#3
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Location: PA -- In the shadow of the Shade Posts: 7,073	Hard chrome works well, but it to will show use over time. It does pretty much eliminate the rusting problems. My old blued Commander lasted about a year in in leather holsters before rust did it in. I had it hard chromed, and switched to a kydex holster, and it went another 10+ years of daily use and practice, with minimal rust and wear. No matter what, if you use it, its going to show it. This is the Commander above. The black streaks are actually mirror polished chrome. __________________ “The enemy is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22 Zeitgeist - The movie

September 4, 2009, 12:08 PM	#5
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 6,510	Do you know the story of Sisyphus? Don't store it in a holster. Wipe it down everyday with a soft cloth embedded with Eezox, silicon, or other protectant. Let your gun develop a little character. __________________ Jim's Rules of Carry: 1. Any gun is better than no gun. 2. A gun that is reliable is better than a gun that is not. 3. A hole in the right place is better than a hole in the wrong place. 4. A bigger hole is a better hole.

September 4, 2009, 10:34 AM	#4
Dustin0 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 701	I have cold blue a 1911 it was one that pieces together someone before destroyed the finish. So I striped it and blued it with Birchwood cold blue kit. It holds up ok but you have to keep it oiled or it will lose its finish.