My 2nd Krag

[Workaholic]

Wow. You have done an amazing job so far. I've read through it with interest, and in the process, I think you answered a couple questions. Specifically, about the bluing on my Marlin 336 RC, and an idea of what I'm needing to do on my Colt vest pocket pistol to get it blued. Thanks for this great write up.

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[browningautorifle]

Marlin 336 RC

An older waffletop?

[Workaholic]

Yes. 1952 Waffletop. Has a grayish colored bluing. At first I thought it was cerakoted. After reading through this thread, I'm not so sure now.

[ssgross]

Has a grayish colored bluing

as you saw, the "American blue" from rustblue.com I used on the receiver was very easy to get good uniform results without any spotting, but didn't get very dark. It did, however, card very easily with just steel wool or the big carding brush from brownells.
The Mark lee express blue got very dark, and even darkened the receiver. However, you have to card the crap out of it, especially after the first iteration if any copper gets laid down. My second try at it after my arm got sore, I used the big carding wheel from brownells on the barrel. best $24 investment I've made....the one with the wood hub...https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...-prod6762.aspx I put it in my drill press at first, but that was awkward. I then put it on a corded hand drill, and clamped in the bench vise. Much easier working the piece at waist level than at my chest.

I went ahead and bought a 2nd krag barrel from criterion that came in today. have my eye on a krag sporter that no one seems to want at a shop close by. The price is a bit steep, but it's been there 6 months or more. Would make a nice present for my son at Christmas. If it doesn't come down, I'll sell the finished barrel with sight ready to go for someone else's project. No rush. Maybe another rifle will call to me.

[browningautorifle]

Has a grayish colored bluing.

Probably a cold blue as suggested...hard to say what. I've seen results from a "Grey sock" blue once. That was heated to hot and a wool sock passed across the metal causing a rough grey finish. Worst thing I can remember seeing for redoing a needy rifle.