I need to have an action (receiver, triggerguard) beadblasted and parkerized, and barrel + triggerguard hot blued (these two parts are hand polished and tank-ready after degreasing). This is not high precision work; where are some cheap places to get this done? Fast turnaround is also good.

Any pointers welcome. You can also e-mail me privately if you want.

Todd

[ 11-29-2003, 05:20: Message edited by: Todd Getzen ]

Todd,

Pilkington rust blue formula is $29.50 from Brownells, hard to beat that price! <G>

Since you did most of the other work, why are you chickening out now? LOL....

Todd,

Why cheap out now??? Yes, the Plinkton's is $29.95 (I bought my bottle when it was $9.95 and I still have 1/3 left...) but it is a demanding application. As Mr. Belk once said, a certain amount of voodoo and the correct moon phase (i.e. luck) goes a long way in getting a perfect rust blue.

Have you tried Express Blue? While not as durable as slow rust blue, it still looks pretty good...

Actually, I'm changing my mind- if it is not high precision work, then it is a good candidate for a first time attempt at slow rust blue- I might get another bottle of Plinktons before it goes to $39.95- it is still cheaper than whipping up your own batch of Neidner style unless you can get the acids for free. Even a so-so rust blue is eye catching and looks like its been to Africa and back...

I would like to try some Gun Goddess. Does anyone know if it differs from Mark Lee Slow Rust #3???

Thanks for the replies...

I am pretty proficient with express bluing, and would do that, BUT -- the problem is a shortage of time. And I don't feel like paying for full-service bluing, when I have already done the polishing and disassembly work.

Todd

Most smiths I know run batches to conserve chemicals so just because your metal is ready does not mean someone will fire up a special chemical run for one gun. That said, Glenrock Blue has prices for customer polished metal and they may run enough guns to accomodate your time frame. Glenrock Blue Good luck.

Thanks for the tip on Glenrock blue. That $50 price for customer-prepped work is not bad, and [conveniently] although for two different guns, my parts add up to about 1 gun.

I don't really need it in a one week deadline or anything like that, but I don't want to wait 6 months just for bluing. So I am somewhat flexible on time.

Todd

I have not used this man's services but remember he got a good rep on the old Gun&Knife forums.
Mel Doyle, St. Maries,Id. He advertises in Gunlist,totally prepared guns $35.
Bob

Brownells sells a product called "Amerlene" at $18.25 for 8 oz. It works well for the home hobbyist. You will need a tank to heat the solution in and to bathe your firearm in. After Parkerizing, you can bake on some GunKote and you'll have a very durable, rust resistant finish.

Or, you can save yourself time and money and have Mac's restorations do it for you. Their work is absolutely first class and prices are very economical. Look them up on the web.

Jordan

Todd,

I have Express Blued a barrelled action and related small parts in less than 2 hours using Mark Lee Express Blue... That's counting the time it takes for the water to boil

You'll probably spend that much time anguishing over the UPS man trashing your package if you send it out...

DB