Is Reblueing only a Cosmetic thing?

Jamie Young · January 16, 2002, 08:57 PM

I kind of like the fact My Colt is pretty rugged looking but I wasn't sure if Reblueing did anything else other than cover up the wear and tear? Does it do anything else besides make it look New?

Jim Watson · January 16, 2002, 09:07 PM

Blue is controlled surface oxidation. It is very little rust protection, no wear protection. Purely cosmetic. A poor reblue by somebody who doesn't know or care how can do more damage than it covers up. Overbuffing, afterrust, and bluing salts creeping out of crevices are too common. I like my guns showing the use I have given them. Character and all that.

C.R.Sam · January 16, 2002, 09:57 PM

Concur with Jim. Most often, a reblue lessens the value of the gun. It may look better from a distance but close examination will reveal the re-do.

Sam

James K · January 16, 2002, 11:15 PM

I agree that rebluing will usually reduce the value of a collector's gun, but a good re-blue job may make a shooting or hunting gun more saleable. Of course, a poor job, with rounded corners, buffed down markings, and slotless screws will do far more harm than letting the gun alone.

As to protection, bluing is controlled rust, and it will hold some oil and prevent further rust better than plain steel.

Jim

Doug 29 · January 16, 2002, 11:18 PM

I guess it depends on who does the rebluing! I've owned many blued guns and NEVER had a bit of rust. I don't "baby" my guns, just wipe them off with a clean cloth occasionally. Different people may have a different chemical composition in their sweat, though, and blued guns don't work for them.

January 16, 2002, 08:57 PM	#1
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Is Reblueing only a Cosmetic thing? I kind of like the fact My Colt is pretty rugged looking but I wasn't sure if Reblueing did anything else other than cover up the wear and tear? Does it do anything else besides make it look New? __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

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January 16, 2002, 09:07 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Blue is controlled surface oxidation. It is very little rust protection, no wear protection. Purely cosmetic. A poor reblue by somebody who doesn't know or care how can do more damage than it covers up. Overbuffing, afterrust, and bluing salts creeping out of crevices are too common. I like my guns showing the use I have given them. Character and all that.

January 16, 2002, 09:57 PM	#3
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Concur with Jim. Most often, a reblue lessens the value of the gun. It may look better from a distance but close examination will reveal the re-do. Sam

January 16, 2002, 11:15 PM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I agree that rebluing will usually reduce the value of a collector's gun, but a good re-blue job may make a shooting or hunting gun more saleable. Of course, a poor job, with rounded corners, buffed down markings, and slotless screws will do far more harm than letting the gun alone. As to protection, bluing is controlled rust, and it will hold some oil and prevent further rust better than plain steel. Jim

January 16, 2002, 11:18 PM	#5
Doug 29 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 217	I guess it depends on who does the rebluing! I've owned many blued guns and NEVER had a bit of rust. I don't "baby" my guns, just wipe them off with a clean cloth occasionally. Different people may have a different chemical composition in their sweat, though, and blued guns don't work for them.