Bluing question

STAGE 2 · January 12, 2006, 11:11 AM

I recently picked up a colt 1903 pocket and I'm looking to restore it. Who are some highly recommended places to have it reblued. I'm looking for that thick smooth deep blue that you can use as a mirror kind of finish. Any suggestions?

TimRB · January 12, 2006, 11:21 AM

If it's collectible, you'll almost certainly ruin its value if you reblue it.

Tim

STAGE 2 · January 12, 2006, 12:00 PM

In 30 years there won't be enough of these around so a really nice bluing job wont matter as far as value is concerned. And of course if I don't intend to sell it then value is a moot question anyways. With that out of the way, any suggestions.

Baba Louie · January 12, 2006, 03:19 PM

If you're gonna do it, do it right. Might as well go with one of the best...
http://turnbullrestoration.com/

edited to add the link to Colt, who can and will reblue
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/refinishing.asp

scgunsmith · January 28, 2006, 07:54 PM

I do 3 types of blueing
black/blue
high gloss belgium
satin black

Dfariswheel · January 28, 2006, 08:35 PM

If you want to actually restore the gun, Turnbull is the best.

He offers the Carbona heat bluing that Colt used back then.
Modern bluing is hot salts bluing and has a totally different look.

DiplomaticBlackHawk · February 2, 2006, 12:11 PM

Dfariswheel is correct once again.nothing to add except that if it is really bad and I mean crapy , i.e. deep gouges pits rust ect ect and u are gonna shoot it then the Carbona and the refinishing/surfacing is not gonna be included. Deep pits are the worst and a back yard moneysmith would just start a grinding and welding.Now does that make anyone else here get sick for a split second???I have seen guys that I Know are great smiths take one and it come back beautiful with no sign that it ever had a nick.All he would say was that u have to use vintage (1903 here) metal to match it up and something like he would use/find a "replacement" part from a original colt to use???? Anyone know what the heck this voodoo is?? lol but anyway there are a lot of good responses here.Have fun and keep'em in the 10 ring.

January 12, 2006, 11:11 AM	#1
STAGE 2 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2002 Posts: 2,676	Bluing question I recently picked up a colt 1903 pocket and I'm looking to restore it. Who are some highly recommended places to have it reblued. I'm looking for that thick smooth deep blue that you can use as a mirror kind of finish. Any suggestions?

January 12, 2006, 03:19 PM	#4
Baba Louie Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2001 Posts: 1,552	If you're gonna do it, do it right. Might as well go with one of the best... http://turnbullrestoration.com/ edited to add the link to Colt, who can and will reblue http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/refinishing.asp __________________ A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." - George Washington, January 8, 1790, First State of the Union Address Last edited by Baba Louie; January 12, 2006 at 05:09 PM.

January 12, 2006, 11:21 AM	#2
TimRB Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 1,051	If it's collectible, you'll almost certainly ruin its value if you reblue it. Tim

January 12, 2006, 12:00 PM	#3
STAGE 2 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2002 Posts: 2,676	In 30 years there won't be enough of these around so a really nice bluing job wont matter as far as value is concerned. And of course if I don't intend to sell it then value is a moot question anyways. With that out of the way, any suggestions.

January 28, 2006, 07:54 PM	#5
scgunsmith Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Location: Ridgeland SC (aka State of Confusion) Posts: 58	I do 3 types of blueing black/blue high gloss belgium satin black

January 28, 2006, 08:35 PM	#6
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,559	If you want to actually restore the gun, Turnbull is the best. He offers the Carbona heat bluing that Colt used back then. Modern bluing is hot salts bluing and has a totally different look.

February 2, 2006, 12:11 PM	#7
DiplomaticBlackHawk Member Join Date: August 2, 2005 Posts: 87	Dfariswheel is correct once again.nothing to add except that if it is really bad and I mean crapy , i.e. deep gouges pits rust ect ect and u are gonna shoot it then the Carbona and the refinishing/surfacing is not gonna be included. Deep pits are the worst and a back yard moneysmith would just start a grinding and welding.Now does that make anyone else here get sick for a split second???I have seen guys that I Know are great smiths take one and it come back beautiful with no sign that it ever had a nick.All he would say was that u have to use vintage (1903 here) metal to match it up and something like he would use/find a "replacement" part from a original colt to use???? Anyone know what the heck this voodoo is?? lol but anyway there are a lot of good responses here.Have fun and keep'em in the 10 ring.