Just had to pick between two types of bluing for a 1920s shotgun restoration

The owner wanted it to look right, so I was stuck between hot bluing and rust bluing. I went with rust bluing because it's the old way and matches the period better, even though it takes more time. It took about four days of applying the solution and carding off the rust, but the finish came out perfect and deep. Anyone else have a go-to method for vintage guns that you know is more work but just looks right?

3 comments

3 Comments

bettykim24d ago

Seriously? Hot bluing would've been fine.

cooper.viola24d ago

Nice. You chose the hard way just to make some old gun look right. That's commitment.

jason11211d ago

Exactly, the "hard way" is the ONLY way for some projects. When you're bringing back a piece of history, cutting corners just feels wrong. That extra effort shows real respect for the original craft. It's not about being easy, it's about getting it RIGHT.