I am looking for someone who offers charcoal bluing like Colt and few others used to use. Anyone know of a reputable gunsmith that does this?? I want to keep it local is I can.Thanks in advance.
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Charcoal Bluing services in Ga?
- Thread starter Technosapien
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X2 even though I'd expect that to be expensive as I have read that it was very labor intensive back in the day
bump
Heard a podcast with one of the guys from Turnbull a while ago. It sounds like there really aren't many places that can do this type of blueing anymore. I'd be surprised if any of them were here in GA, but you never know.
Here's a link to Turnbull. Their prices aren't anywhere near as high as I thought they would be for this.
http://www.turnbullmfg.com
Here's a link to Turnbull. Their prices aren't anywhere near as high as I thought they would be for this.
http://www.turnbullmfg.com
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I guess this is what your talking about:
http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-507221.html
Based on the description, it would seem that the charcoal process is more of an "art" than "science",
that could possibly cause problems with "peened" or "tempered" components (?)
That and the fact that it isn't deemed to be as durable as caustic processing.
On the other hand "Cold Bluing" appears to be the most durable, but also seems to be an "art" that
involves "tribal knowledge" that may be lost in today's rushed-up gotta-have-it-now world ...
FWIW: I've used a guy down in Perry to do the caustic bluing, with highly satisfactory results (be aware that stainless steel will not "blue" using this process! How do I know? Don't ask!)
There is also supposed to be someone in Griffin that does the caustic process and with a good reputation.
Be aware that disassembly and pains-taking preparation are absolute requirements for acceptable results!
http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-507221.html
Based on the description, it would seem that the charcoal process is more of an "art" than "science",
that could possibly cause problems with "peened" or "tempered" components (?)
That and the fact that it isn't deemed to be as durable as caustic processing.
On the other hand "Cold Bluing" appears to be the most durable, but also seems to be an "art" that
involves "tribal knowledge" that may be lost in today's rushed-up gotta-have-it-now world ...
FWIW: I've used a guy down in Perry to do the caustic bluing, with highly satisfactory results (be aware that stainless steel will not "blue" using this process! How do I know? Don't ask!)
There is also supposed to be someone in Griffin that does the caustic process and with a good reputation.
Be aware that disassembly and pains-taking preparation are absolute requirements for acceptable results!
Doug Turnbull is the only fellow that I know of that does old school metal refinishing and he is an exceptional craftsman. His price will reflect that as well and he is not local.
The local guy I know Steve Parsons in Griffin, GA did two guns for me in 2011. He is a good fellow, reasonably priced, works from home and has a shop in back of his house. He is experienced and does great work. I'll have to hunt for his contact information.
He disassembled/reassembled then refinished this old S&W model 13 that was a guard's gun with most of the blue worn off. He does a hot caustic "blue" but it's more of a dark black.
A frame up 1911 build that he "hot blued".
The local guy I know Steve Parsons in Griffin, GA did two guns for me in 2011. He is a good fellow, reasonably priced, works from home and has a shop in back of his house. He is experienced and does great work. I'll have to hunt for his contact information.
He disassembled/reassembled then refinished this old S&W model 13 that was a guard's gun with most of the blue worn off. He does a hot caustic "blue" but it's more of a dark black.
A frame up 1911 build that he "hot blued".
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Here it is...
Some more shameless revolver porn...... New shoes, oiled finished Kim Ahrends grips. Hot caustic bluing by Steve Parsons of Old Iron Firearm Restoration.
Some more shameless revolver porn...... New shoes, oiled finished Kim Ahrends grips. Hot caustic bluing by Steve Parsons of Old Iron Firearm Restoration.
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EXCELLENT! Shameless ... NOT!
WOW ... That's What A Bluing Job is supposed to look like!
WOW ... That's What A Bluing Job is supposed to look like!
It's known that most people who hot blue guns regularly age & die prematurely.......those fumes are caustic and deadly on skin & human lungs, if your around "bluers" take note of how aged they look and how much trouble they have breathing. That's why good bluers are hard to find.
