Rifle Reblueing, cost?

SBLars · August 11, 2001, 02:46 AM

Well, I found a barrel for my Mossberg 152K. It is already attached to a receiver, so the guy is going to send me the whole unit for the price of the barrel. This will definitely save me the cost of having a smith fit the barrel.

But, it needs to be reblued. How much can I expect to pay for this to be done for me?

Or should I attempt to do it myself? I know I don't have a vessel large enough to dip the whole barrel and action at one, so I guess it would be better to send it out.

Thanks

Herr Walther · August 11, 2001, 04:38 AM

I can't quote prices because I'm not a 'smith. There are several blueing methods used depending on the quality of finish that you desire.

Traditional cold rust bluing is by far the most time-intensive of the processes but the results are like nothing you've ever seen before if done correctly. Used a lot on high-grade doubles with silver soldering on the barrels.

Hot salts bluing is the most widely used and is economical. Beautiful results can be obtained using this method if the metal is prepared correctly and the chemicals are right.

Good results can be obtained for a servicable finish using cold blue methods. Several varieties of cold blue products are available from Brownell's and many people are satisfied with this type finish for a working rifle, handgun, or shotgun that is not a prized collector piece. DIY'ers can usually handle this if the instuctions are followed precisely and patients is used.

Check your local gun store Brownell's catalog. The process is explained for each type of refinishing system. Very good reading if you've ever wondered about the magic of bluing firearms.

Good Luck.

George Stringer · August 11, 2001, 06:40 AM

SBLars, the cost would depend on how shiney a finish you want. In my shop matte blue or factory blue runs $125.00. George

SBLars · August 11, 2001, 01:37 PM

ok, thanks guys.

It really isn't worth it to me to spend 100 or more dollars on a rifle that is not worth 125 dollars. I could even keep it like it is and just keep it oiled with Militec 1.

Appreciate the responses.

RiverRider · August 11, 2001, 01:53 PM

I have managed to get pretty good results with certain cold bluing solutions, the best being Formula 44/40 from Brownell's. Just degrease the barrel and apply the bluing with a generous piece of degreased fine steel wool. It may take a couple of tries, but you can make a $125 gun look pretty good.

-RR-

Kernel · August 12, 2001, 02:00 PM

For a turnkey job $125 is about what I've seen. Most of the cost is in the labor involved in polishing, which takes hours. If you do all the elbow-work and polish it yourself most Smiths will charge around $35 to "dip" your parts in their blue tank. IMO hot blue is the best way to go for large parts, cold blue works fine for touchups and small parts. -- Kernel

August 11, 2001, 02:46 AM	#1
SBLars Member Join Date: December 29, 2000 Posts: 68	Rifle Reblueing, cost? Well, I found a barrel for my Mossberg 152K. It is already attached to a receiver, so the guy is going to send me the whole unit for the price of the barrel. This will definitely save me the cost of having a smith fit the barrel. But, it needs to be reblued. How much can I expect to pay for this to be done for me? Or should I attempt to do it myself? I know I don't have a vessel large enough to dip the whole barrel and action at one, so I guess it would be better to send it out. Thanks __________________ "Pain is temporary, victory is forever"

August 11, 2001, 04:38 AM	#2
Herr Walther Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2001 Location: A Place Worse than California Posts: 782	I can't quote prices because I'm not a 'smith. There are several blueing methods used depending on the quality of finish that you desire. Traditional cold rust bluing is by far the most time-intensive of the processes but the results are like nothing you've ever seen before if done correctly. Used a lot on high-grade doubles with silver soldering on the barrels. Hot salts bluing is the most widely used and is economical. Beautiful results can be obtained using this method if the metal is prepared correctly and the chemicals are right. Good results can be obtained for a servicable finish using cold blue methods. Several varieties of cold blue products are available from Brownell's and many people are satisfied with this type finish for a working rifle, handgun, or shotgun that is not a prized collector piece. DIY'ers can usually handle this if the instuctions are followed precisely and patients is used. Check your local gun store Brownell's catalog. The process is explained for each type of refinishing system. Very good reading if you've ever wondered about the magic of bluing firearms. Good Luck. __________________ "It was people who upheld their duties to their office, the constitution, and the public by opposing Hitler who were called traitors" ------------------------------------- "...a historian asked what had happened to the German people for them to accept a criminal government. Unfortunately, nothing needed to happen. In nations across the world people accept government crime." ------------------------------------- "In democracies as well as dictatorships, subordinates illegally obey their rulers. Subordinates who remain true to their oaths of office by opposing their rulers are rare."

August 11, 2001, 01:37 PM	#4
SBLars Member Join Date: December 29, 2000 Posts: 68	ok, thanks guys. It really isn't worth it to me to spend 100 or more dollars on a rifle that is not worth 125 dollars. I could even keep it like it is and just keep it oiled with Militec 1. Appreciate the responses. __________________ "Pain is temporary, victory is forever"

August 11, 2001, 01:53 PM	#5
RiverRider Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2000 Posts: 341	I have managed to get pretty good results with certain cold bluing solutions, the best being Formula 44/40 from Brownell's. Just degrease the barrel and apply the bluing with a generous piece of degreased fine steel wool. It may take a couple of tries, but you can make a $125 gun look pretty good. -RR- __________________ NO Compromise!

August 11, 2001, 06:40 AM	#3
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	SBLars, the cost would depend on how shiney a finish you want. In my shop matte blue or factory blue runs $125.00. George

August 12, 2001, 02:00 PM	#6
Kernel Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 1999 Location: Madison, WI.... "78 Square Miles Surrounded by Reality" Posts: 923	For a turnkey job $125 is about what I've seen. Most of the cost is in the labor involved in polishing, which takes hours. If you do all the elbow-work and polish it yourself most Smiths will charge around $35 to "dip" your parts in their blue tank. IMO hot blue is the best way to go for large parts, cold blue works fine for touchups and small parts. -- Kernel