Blueing 1911

[72 Broncoman]

I have a 1911 usgi manufacterd in 1915 and my desire is to reblue it. My question is since it has no rust or pitting,very sharp print and fine lines with little original blue left ( 30%) can I reblue without blasting and buffing. Will I need to strip the present blue off before dipping? If anyone could share their knowledge I would greatly appreciate it. Also I know many will say don't touch it but I dont see things the same way and dont consider it as killing any value by making it look better.

[RickB]

Also I know many will say don't touch it but I dont see things the same way and dont consider it as killing any value by making it look better.

If you just strip the old finish, and don't do any surface prep before refinishing, you'll just be putting new blue over the old scratches and marks already in the metal; probably not much of an improvement. Proper metal prep is the key to a good refinish, and removing the surface imperfections, without altering the contours or washing-out the sometimes very fine markings is a real art form. Improper prep will also result in a less than satisfactory result, and one that perhaps cannot be corrected. Unless you can afford to have a professional do the refinishing, I am all but certain that the outcome will not be an improvement over the current 30% original finish.

[72 Broncoman]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I failed to mention the Steel is in perfect condition ( better than my latest colt out of the box new ) cant see any imperfections with naked eye,no dings as common with older guns.The 1911 has been in my family for a long while ,and the blue is mostly gone from cleaning on a fairly regular basis (often) not from shooting or holster wear. So what your saying is it cant be blued without blasting and buffing? I just thought a good cleaning and dip would look better than 30% original blue remaining. Thanks again for your reply.

[Truckjohn]

If your 1915 USGI is "Correct" or even in decent shape, it will be worth far more to a collector in its original shape than it would if you reblued it -- especially if it is not beat up.

You could probably sell it and buy a new Colt and have some coin left over.

The gun to reblue would be a parts master 1911 on an Essex frame
or pretty much anything manufactured within the last 20-years.

Have a good one

John

[David Rose]

Blasting does not have to be done. It seldom is for bluing unless you want a matt finish. However, any oxidation will impede the process. That means that old bluing or unseen oxidation on the bare steel will change the effects. Bluing is basically just rapid oxidation with materials to stop the "rust" from turning red. Clean it really good with a solvent then run it through the process (which also contains a cleaner), and you will end up with a mottled looking mess. At the very least, it would have to be hand polished which is likely to have some effect on lettering/numbers. I agree with the others about leaving it alone. If you *have* to do it, get someone who knows what they are doing and tell them exactly what you want.

Bluing is a simple and fascinating process. Many a shade tree shingle hanger does it. A few do fantastic work. For every one of those, there are 50 who will ruin your gun.

David


Thanks for the reply. I guess I failed to mention the Steel is in perfect condition ( better than my latest colt out of the box new ) cant see any imperfections with naked eye,no dings as common with older guns.The 1911 has been in my family for a long while ,and the blue is mostly gone from cleaning on a fairly regular basis (often) not from shooting or holster wear. So what your saying is it cant be blued without blasting and buffing? I just thought a good cleaning and dip would look better than 30% original blue remaining. Thanks again for your reply.

[DanM]

Rebluing an old GI will reduce the value by a factor of 2-3(or more). IMHO, you should post some pix in the collector's section, along with a listing of all arsenal marks and stamps, to get an idea of it's value. If it is as good as you say, you could easily sell it as is to a collector and buy a fine new one.

[Hawkmoon]

Folks, the gentleman's original post acknowledged that he is not concerned about the dollar value loss resulting from re-bluing. He later clarified that this is a family firearm, so it seems obvious that he doesn't want to sell it, he wants it to look good. In other words, he wishes to restore a part of the family history. Instead of lecturing him about a factor he has already discussed and dismissed, please either try to answer his question or don't bother to respond. Thank you.

[72 Broncoman]

Thanks everyone,Hawkmoon your dead-on ; Have too many newer colts and some new now, just wanted to know if it was possible other than cold blue.I made an error it is a 1914 #99526 all original and has been in family since 1917. Just thought about passing it along to son and grandsons. Have'nt ever really had any good experinces with gunsmiths and have lost twice to out of state smiths ,one chapter 11,and one passed away. Learned my lesson the hard way. Only possible winner is the lawyers and its not worth the hassel, Thanks again!!

[Hawkmoon]

The "names" in restoration are Doug Turnbull and Bill Adair.

Pay off your credit cards before you call them, especially Turnbull. His work is gorgeous, but it ain't inexpensive.

[twin oaks]

You state that the pistol recieves lots of cleaning but little shooting...If the pistol is just to keep as a collector's piece, an heirloom, why not box it? Nice little airtight box with a glass top and a few shots of nitrogen to flush out the Oxygen.
I've got two heirloom shotguns and part of the history is their appearance. Sure we could have them refinished, but that effectively removes all the 'history' of the gun. (Yeah, great uncle Chuck was a short fellow and he's the one that had this stock shortened....And Uncle Frank thought that putting this Varnish on the barrel and stock would help preserve the finish....What a loon! <much laughter>)
Just my thoughts that part of the history you're trying to pass on to your family is in the appearance of the pistol, and that making it more asthetically attractive may hide some of what you're trying to preserve.

[LoneWolfUSMC]

IMHO there is nothing that "enhances" the appearance of an old weapon like honest wear.

[watchin]

..and then there is the story of whoever in the family felt the need to keep cleaning the gun even though it was not being fired (or why they thought 'steel wool' was a good way to clean the firearm of all that 'bluish build-up'). I would either have it professionally restored or leave it with it's character intact. After all, we are 'stewards' of these firearms and keeping them in as good condition as when we received them is our job.
-watchin-