[TheForge]Bluing, was gun metal care question

[Pettengill, Nate]

Yes, Winchester but not Model 1902, it says Model 90, it's a slide
action, not single. The guy I bought it from thought to was made in the
late 20s or 30s but they made lots of them so it was $100 or so in 1985.
Not a collectors item but I'd prefer not to screw it up. After I get
done with the steel wool and oil this weekend, I was thinking I might
touch it up. Maybe a bad idea?

So, now I've got to ask; what kind of steel went into these things and
what is rust bluing? The finish has always been pretty good, never any
pitting or rust but it is dark brown, I thought it was just age. I'm
familiar with the cold bluing mixtures, I thought they were mostly acid
which creates an tough oxide and then is neutralized.  I know there's
hot bluing out there, which I assume is about the same chemical process,
but probably different oxidant, something left to the gunsmiths along
with plating and more fancy stuff. 

Nate

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of gblacksmith
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 10:37 AM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge]Gun metal care question

Nate:  An old octagon .22 short pump?  Is it a model 1902 Winchester?
These 
guns were typically rust-blued and have tenacious finishes on them.  I
have 
gotten good results with 0000 steel wool and oil.  Even 3-in -1 will
work. 
Put a good film of oil on weapon, allow to stand for a day, then gently
buff 
off surface rust.  This treatment will not remove pitting  of any depth,

however.  The best way to arrest the rusting is to detail strip the
weapon 
and inspect/clean all components.  A good storage method is the rifle
length 
"Bianchi Blue Bags" made specifically for this.  Absent this, I use
marine 
grease rubbed on well for long-term storage.  You can also use
"Kleenbore 
Rust Guardit" which is easier to apply.  For ready storage, I use
Ballistol, 
Boeshield T9 or Shooter's Choice Rust prevent.  Grant
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pettengill, Nate" <nate.pettengill at lmco.com>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 10:41 AM
Subject: [TheForge]Gun metal care question


> Speaking of AZ, guns and all, here's a actual metal question. I had
some
> really nasty squirrels chew their way into the barn over the fall and
> winter other day and make an incredible mess. I dragged out the old
> octagon .22 short pump that I picked up when I was living in Arizona
> (accurate as hell and quiet) and popped them. But I noticed that there
> was a pretty good dusting of rust on the barrel. I checked my other
guns
> and they are all a bit rusty. Must be the damp climate here Back East,
> that never happened in AZ. I had cleaned and oiled them up then stored
> them in foam-lined cases when I moved but never checked them for a
year
> or so. No place to hunt around here anyway. What to do to refinish
them?
> Fine emery cloth? Then gun blue and Navy grease? Any better ideas?
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Nate
>
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