Rusty Gun Bluing
Properly done, a good bluing job will make your customer’s gun look brand new. Here’s an overview of the stages to get you started.
Topic
Finishing
Building A Custom Mauser, Part Three
In parts one and two of this series we have shown how to prepare a Mauser action rebarreling and finishing. The action has been extensively reworked, drilled and tapped for scope mounting and checked for safety. It’s now time to add our…
Reader Forum
Gun Values I need some information on a Sauer & Sohn Model 38 pistol chambered in .32 ACP. The hammer is enclosed and has a decocker. The frame is stamped CHL 7.65 along with a small Nazi eagle over a number 37.…
Building a Custom Mauser, Part Two
Surplus Mausers are still great for customization. In this second issue of the series we’ll take care of the bolt handle, bolt lugs and drill and tap for scope mounting.
Duplicating Remington’s Factory High-Grade Finish
Remington’s classic finish looks a foot deep without looking like plastic. Here’s how to do it yourself.
Classic Books: Part Three, Metalworking
In this final installment of the Gunsmithing Classics series of books we look at the works of the old masters of metal.
Refinishing Gun Metal
Re inishing Gun Metal Multiple options for metal refinishing are possible on even the tightest budget. Here’s how to set your shop up on the cheap!
Building a “Rust” Cabinet
Constructing your own humidity cabinet to blue metal is a first step in learning to apply a decorative and preservative finish to steel parts.
Plastic Stocks for the Double Shotgun
Some easy application of fiberglass and epoxy can economically revitalize an old shotgun stock.
Getting Started in Engraving
Engraving is an art form that can add value to your custom guns and spruce up the appearance of less valuable firearms. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Cold Bluing: Another Approach
Try this simple method of cold bluing to get a deep blue/ black finish‚ with only a little more time and effort than it takes to do a thorough cleaning job.
Reader Forum
Slow-Rust Bluing I just reread the March 2009 issue. The slow-rust bluing article described the process thoroughly. (Keep up the good work.) I’ll be giving it a try soon. The question I have is about the color. How does it compare to…
Cold Bluing: Restoring “Family Heirlooms” on the Cheap
Many old guns have sentimental value to the family of the owner but no real monetary value to a collector. These guns are all good candidates for an inexpensive “facelift.”
Firearm Finishing Methods: A to Z
Today’s gunsmith can offer his customer choices in metal-finishing methods that range from traditional and “down to earth” to Space Age and literally “out of this world.”
Producing a “Faux-Parkerized” Finish with Dura Coat
Lauer Custom Weaponry’s spray-on coating will produce not only a durable substitute for Parkerizing, but a rainbow of colored finishes and camouflage patterns.
Metal Finishing: Polishing with Abrasive Stones
While clothand paper-backed abrasives are most commonly used in finishing metal prior to bluing or color case hardening, abrasive stones offer some distinct advantages.
Reader Forum
Rust-Removal Caution Having just finished the February 09 issue, I want to bring to your attention a caution about the article on electrolytic rust removal’namely a phenomenon called “hydrogen embrittlement” that can occur in heat-treated parts when immersed in any kind of…
Inletting a Machined Stock
Here’s how to finish the inletting and bed the metal on a machine-carved stock that’s sold as ’95- percent inletted.
Slow-Rust Bluing: Science or Alchemy?
Actually, it’s science. But your customers will think you worked some kind of magic when they see the transformation this process can make in an old firearm.
Removing Rust with Electrolysis
Here’s a simple method for removing rust from a bluedsteel firearm without damaging the bluing.
Working the Colt Sauer Bolt-Action Rifle
Little information exists on this superior-quality bolt action, so make sure this takedown procedure finds its way into your permanent files.
Enhancements to the Power Series I Stoning Fixture
These simple shopmade add-ons can make an excellent tool even better, faster, and more versatile.
Basic Stock Work and Finishin
With a little effort and attention to detail, stocks made of common wood can look great, and a stock made of exotic wood can look even better.
Finish-Crowning the Rifle Barrel
The “major” recessed or concave barrel crown is only the beginning of the job. For good accuracy, the rifle or pistol barrel also requires “finish” crowning as a necessary part of the overall muzzle finish.