to reblue or leave it alone?

[kenl]

Bought this Uberti replica 1860 colt a few years ago at a gun show. The story behind it was that it came from an estate sale. It was in rough shape, and required some cleaning up, but is now a fine shooter. The problem is, the bluing is shot.

Didn't pay that that much for it. The inside of the barrel, rifling, inside the cylinder, and case hardening are in very good condition.

The rust is on the surface, and there’s no pitting that I can see. I’m thinking about having it professionally blued, but would like to see what other people would do.

Thanks for the input

[hermosabeach]

There is a smith posting videos on you tube

They boil and deoxygenate the rust

It’s amazing what can be recovered and made to look nice without rebluing

[kenl]

There is a smith posting videos on you tube

They boil and deoxygenate the rust

It’s amazing what can be recovered and made to look nice without rebluing

Thanks! Do you have a link or name of the video (can't find it with a search)?

[hermosabeach]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B2SyN6m39x4

Interesting rust techniques

[hermosabeach]

The video is a bit long but fascinating

[GunDog]

It's a replica. The cost to have it reblued would be more than the revolver is worth.

[kenl]

Thank hermosabeach, that was good

It's a replica. The cost to have it reblued would be more than the revolver is worth.

yeah, I know, that's part of issue. I could probably almost pay for a new one for the cost of rebluing this one.

[The Gleam]

The video is a bit long but fascinating

Thanks for posting that; the conservation method was invaluable, but there is also very valuable information about loading for the Winchester 1887 10-Guage at the tail of that video for anyone that didn't watch it all the way through.

[rmnc3r]

DIY; Mark Lee Express Blue - from Brownells

This technique works well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-CDOJF-TmY

['ol shooter]

I voted cold blue at home. I have revived a few older firearms that were not treated well. Here are a few pics of what can be done with some cleanup and touch-up. I used Brownell's Oxpho Creme.
Before:

After:

[kenl]

Thank you everyone. Good recomdations.

Since I'm snowed in at home today, and I think I have everything needed, I'm going to try the recovery method posted by hermosabeach. If that doesn't get the pistol to were I want it, will reblue it at home using the method that rmnc3r recommended.

Will keep you updated

[Sutcliffe]

For a replica reblue won't hurt value

I'd say go for it.

[Heatseeker]

If you want to take on a bit bigger project, do a rust blue. It takes time but the results are pretty satisfying. I've done three turds that came out fantastic. There's a good step by step on the akforums website.

[humble servant]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B2SyN6m39x4



Interesting rust techniques

Great video. I had no idea.

OP, I'd probably use that revolver to learn and blue it myself if I wanted it refinished. Id probably just leave it and shoot it though. It really comes down to if it bothers you or not.

[kenl]

Thank you everyone. Good recomdations.

Since I'm snowed in at home today, and I think I have everything needed, I'm going to try the recovery method posted by hermosabeach. If that doesn't get the pistol to were I want it, will reblue it at home using the method that rmnc3r recommended.

Will keep you updated

Well, ends up that I don't have 0000 steel wool (substitute for the soft wire wheel that I also don't have) so the project's on hold for now.

Thanks for the suggestions, and please keep them coming