Advice on Blueing

[Echo Bravo]

Hi...

I was hoping to get some input regarding re-blueing the metal on a Ross MkIII I was planning on extending the stock on... but I'm an idiot and posted the thread in the gunsmithing section instead of the restoration forum... and I couldn't figure out how to move it...

Does Bubba Blue? - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

What do you think? Should I re-blue as part of the restoration, or should I leave the metal finish alone?

EB

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[louthepou]

Me thinks:

Anything original to the rifle, I wouldn't reblue. I would clean and oil. Added parts that are not original, I see it as a bit different (I wonder if the front sight was a part missing, that you found to properly complete the rifle?).

If I refurb a LE N01Mk3, and the Drill Purpose nose cap I got from Springfield or Numrich doesn't match the blue of the barrel and receiver, I will work on it and make it match better. But I wouldn't reblue the barrel to match the nose cap.

If there's rust somewhere, I will remove the rust; based on the argument that this damage can get worse. Then I am still debating if reblueing the damaged part is better than not doing it...

I did recently reblue a 1952, Polish Mosin-Nagant M44. I decided to do it because the blue had been previously removed with steel wool relatively recently - that's different than blue getting worn off from use over a long period of time (but that's just my opinion...)

Lou

[Echo Bravo]

Me thinks:

(I wonder if the front sight was a part missing, that you found to properly complete the rifle?).

Lou

Certainly makes you wonder! The rifle is the way it came to me... but it sure looks like someone's been chewing on it!!! And it looks to be worse off than the barrel... I think this is part of the question... the barrel looks good... the front sight is not so good... and the nose cap I found needs attention... so if I'm doing one (ie I need to reblue the nose cap) should I do all to make it look the same?

EB

[louthepou]

I have had reasonable results with cold blue for touch ups, and for blueing small parts (handguard bands, nose caps, and so on). At the very least I'd reblue the front sight... it will be thankfull!

Lou

[Milsurp Collector]

As they say, it's your rifle to do with as you want, but...

As a general rule, the more original finish is present, the higher the collector value. A firearm with 95% original finish remaining is worth more than a firearm with 10% original finish remaining. Obviously, a reblued rifle has 0% original finish remaining. The amount of original finish remaining necessary to make a firearm a collectible rather than a "shooter" varies. For Lugers it is around 60% http://www.lugerforum.com/FAQ.html. For 1911s it's around 20%, so a 1911 with 20% original finish remaining, or a Luger with 60% original finish remaining, would be worth more than a refinished gun, but ones with less original finish would be "shooters" whose value wouldn't be lowered by refinishing.

Looking at your rifle, it has a lot of original finish remaining. Personally, I wouldn't refinish it. It looks it's age. Remember, something can be refinished many times, but it is original only once. Once that original finish is gone, it is gone forever.

[Chuckindenver]

depending on who does the restoration. will it effect the value.
if done right, id doubt even the best so called expert could tell.
if your ever going to have it done right, stay away from cold blue, they are copper based, and dont mix well with real hot salts blue.
if you have to cold blue, use Oxfo blue from Brownells, and not beachwood caseys fomula.
but.
dont we collect these clunky rifles for the history that they have? that old girl earned her history, why remove it?

[bearhunter]

I have to agree with CID. Every mark, ding and wears spot tells a story. Extend the stock if you want to, Sporterisation is part of that particular rifles' history and that's OK as well. You won't be devaluing it by extending it back to original configuration, if you do a good job.
Now, this rifle will never be a top notch collectible but it will still be a representative model that you can take out and shoot without cringing every time someone wants to fondle it.
I admit it, I like to leave the rifle as original as possible. If it's nicked and the finish is rough, so be it. I don't have a problem with FTRed pieces either. I've also seen some home FTRs that are every bit as good as a depot refurb, they just don't have the appropriate markings. Some FTRed pieces, although legitimate weren't marked as such, like the Long Branch refurbed No4 MkI rifles done there.
Have fun, have patience and do a good job that will satisfy your wants.