DIY Home firearm improvement!

Pond, James Pond · November 22, 2014, 12:55 PM

My OC (occasional carry) is a little snub. The bluing is pretty uniform, but there are a few spots where the finish has been marred by a little corrosion.

Are there any techniques that the very challenged home smith, with next to no materials can apply to try and improve the looks?

It doesn't affect the gun's performance, but I do like the gun, so if I could make it look better, then splendid!

Bill DeShivs · November 22, 2014, 03:08 PM

There is nothing that works well. Should you decide to refinish the gun, a better finish may be in order. Nickel or hard chrome plating possibly.

Pond, James Pond · November 22, 2014, 03:19 PM

Hmmm.... I thought the OP was not so cryptic. Nickel or hard chrome plating?!?

How am I supposed to do that at home?!

I was thinking more polish and re-blue type activities!

olddav · November 22, 2014, 03:57 PM

Maybe look at this as maintenance, use a cold blueing product. They don't hold up to wear very well but for a couple of dollars you get a tube that will last a little while. Perhaps only blue it for special occasions. Not the best but it's something.

Sharkbite · November 22, 2014, 04:10 PM

Beware the owner of a well worn gun. That means it gets used.

Most of my guns have dings and dents and holster wear. It just adds character.

jimbob86 · November 22, 2014, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Beware the owner of a well worn gun. That means it gets used.

Most of my guns have dings and dents and holster wear. It just adds character.

Kinda like the farmer with the dirty sweatstained hat ...... he's workin' ...... the guy with the shiny new duds is "all hat and no cattle".....

Bill DeShivs · November 23, 2014, 12:21 AM

Cold bluing doesn't really work. Therefore, complete refinishing is the only viable option. Rust, or express, bluing is easily done at home, as is nickel plating.

November 22, 2014, 12:55 PM	#1
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	DIY Home firearm improvement! My OC (occasional carry) is a little snub. The bluing is pretty uniform, but there are a few spots where the finish has been marred by a little corrosion. Are there any techniques that the very challenged home smith, with next to no materials can apply to try and improve the looks? It doesn't affect the gun's performance, but I do like the gun, so if I could make it look better, then splendid! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

November 22, 2014, 03:08 PM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	There is nothing that works well. Should you decide to refinish the gun, a better finish may be in order. Nickel or hard chrome plating possibly. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

November 22, 2014, 03:19 PM	#3
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Hmmm.... I thought the OP was not so cryptic. Nickel or hard chrome plating?!? How am I supposed to do that at home?! I was thinking more polish and re-blue type activities! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

November 22, 2014, 03:57 PM	#4
olddav Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2008 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 727	Maybe look at this as maintenance, use a cold blueing product. They don't hold up to wear very well but for a couple of dollars you get a tube that will last a little while. Perhaps only blue it for special occasions. Not the best but it's something. __________________ Never beat your head against the wall with out a helmet

November 23, 2014, 12:21 AM	#7
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Cold bluing doesn't really work. Therefore, complete refinishing is the only viable option. Rust, or express, bluing is easily done at home, as is nickel plating. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

November 22, 2014, 04:10 PM	#5
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	Beware the owner of a well worn gun. That means it gets used. Most of my guns have dings and dents and holster wear. It just adds character.