I realize that this topic has been discussed somewhat exhaustively in the past but I'm wondering if any new information is available.

I am in the process of converting a M70 Stainless Synthetic into a walnut-stocked express-style rifle. This project started when M70s were no longer being made and a blued .375 was not readily available to me. The next step in the process is to "blacken" the metal- I am looking for a satin black finish, as close to a proper rust blue as I can find. I am not interested in a cerakote-type finish. There appear to be a few options available:

Melonite/Nitriding:

Pros: durable finsish
Cons: heat will remove epoxy securing banded sight & barrel band swivel, barrel must be removed (according to the helpful folks at Burns)

Bluing stainless:

George Roghaar apparently blues stainless using Dulite 3-0 salts

Pros: It's a blue, not a coating- "should" be what I'm looking for
Cons: I don't know anyone who's actually used this process, can't be sure of the result

Black oxide (Robar):

Pros: relatively inexpensive
Cons: a matte rather than a satin finish

Can anyone offer any feedback on the these options? Photos would be great.

you forgot rust oleum

Send it to Birdsong for his Tef-Cote

There also is black chrome.

http://www.apwcogan.com/Refinishing.htm

quote:

Black oxide (Robar):

Pros: relatively inexpensive
Cons: a matte rather than a satin finish

The finish from black oxide will be the same as the metal you had oxided.....if the metal is matte then the oxided part will also be matte.....same with a high luster metal finish.

However.....I didn't know one could black oxide stainless.

quote:

There also is black chrome.

http://www.apwcogan.com/Refinishing.htm

I actually spoke to them about their process, they indicated that I wouldn't be able to distinguish it from Cerakote and suggested the latter.

quote:

the finish from black oxide will be the same as the metal you had oxided.....if the metal is matte then the oxided part will also be matte.....same with a high luster metal finish.

However.....I didn't know one could black oxide stainless

Robar will black oxide stainless but they bead blast first so it will be a matte finish. Maybe I can talk them out of the bead blast.

At this point I'm leaning toward the bluing process, just really wish that I could see an example.

quote:

Originally posted by Woodhits:
At this point I'm leaning toward the bluing process, just really wish that I could see an example.

Have a chunk of 416 stainless drop shipped to him from Speedy Metals and ask him to put it in with his next batch and then send it to you. Offer to pay something for his trouble and you should get a perfect representation of what you'd get. I'm surprised you can't get pictures or referral to clients that have had it done.

Great idea, thanks.