Bluing Gunsmiths

[rrengineer]

I just bought a Hi Power from a Calguns member. The serial number places the manufacture at 1982. For that reason I did not expect a perfect finish overall. You can see bluing gone in the typical sharp edges of the gun, but I expected that. No problem. I was told by the seller that he wanted to keep the original wood grips for his other Hi Power, so a Pachmeyer Signature Series wrap around rubber grip would be included. I want to go back to the wood grips, but made a discovery when the wrap around grip was removed. The rubber covering the front grip strap revealed a mottled surface with little bluing. This is where the serial number is located, but also I found sometime in the past a previous owner scribed his name and a series of numbers right at the edge of the stap. The letters are only 1/64".tall, hardly noticeable, but still something else hidden by the Pachmeyer grip. Do I have to get the whole gun re-blued to correct this? Is there a local (SoCal) gunsmith that does a decent job of bluing?

[ar15barrels]

It's getting harder and harder to get bluing work done in CA because of all the chemical restrictions.

Looks like Techplate will still do it though.

https://www.techplate.com/firearms_pl.htm

[mtenenhaus]

Perhaps one of our incredible gunsmiths who regularly post on this forum might help or can refer you accordingly.

I love seeing the amazing work often posted by AR15, Cifaldi and others. People also often mention Alan Tanaka.

I've also heard that JS Air Cushion in Azusa does excellent work.

Outside of California there seems to be a significant number of excellent refinishing options to consider as well.

[Colt]

First of all, from your description, the seller seems kinda slimy. As for finishing, Glenrock has a great reputation and are used by several high end pistolsmiths.

https://gunbluing.com/

[SkyHawk]

It is up to the buyer to do some diligence too. I have said it before but it bears repeating: nothing good ever happens under those rubber grips, especially wrap arounds. Slip over rubber grip wraps will do the same thing.

I *never* entertain a purchase of a gun that has rubber grips unless the seller removes them and sends me photos. If I am meeting them for PPT I will strip the gun including grips if it is a classic, and also inspect the bore.

[rrengineer]

As much my fault for the messed up area under the grip wrap around as his. I did not check because the rest of the gun looked great for being 37 years old. Some great suggestions for re-bluing. Thanks guys. Now if I could only find someone to refinish that Model 94 receiver made in '66 made out of crap metal.

[kendog4570]

... Now if I could only find someone to refinish that Model 94 receiver made in '66 made out of crap metal.

They will rust blue nicely, just not caustic hot blue without iron plating them first. Another option is polish prep for blue or bead blast the receiver and finish in clear Gunkote, while hot bluing all the other parts (bolt, lever, screws, gate, etc). Looks surprisingly nice.


I can help you with the High Power. Re-bluing is no big deal, but removing etched or scratched in writing can be troublesome for it to look right.

[rrengineer]

They will rust blue nicely, just not caustic hot blue without iron plating them first. Another option is polish prep for blue or bead blast the receiver and finish in clear Gunkote, while hot bluing all the other parts (bolt, lever, screws, gate, etc). Looks surprisingly nice.


I can help you with the High Power. Re-bluing is no big deal, but removing etched or scratched in writing can be troublesome for it to look right.

PM sent.

[TygerAR]

It's getting harder and harder to get bluing work done in CA because of all the chemical restrictions.

Looks like Techplate will still do it though.
https://www.techplate.com/firearms_pl.htm

LOL, All you need to do is drop the word "bluing" and "chemical" and you pretty much understand CA.

"It's getting harder and harder to get work done in CA because of all the restrictions.

[Fatcat]

I heard TechPlate lost their FFL and can no longer finish firearms. Will O’Hara out in Corona does excellent bluing. Like the old school S&W revolvers - more of a jet black than dark bluing.