"plum" blue
I have a 20 year old revolver that has taken on the "plum" color I have seen on a number of firearms in the past. I would love to know what causes this, is it a sign of a poor blue job, and how much does this detract from the value of a firearm? Is it a condition I need to worry about? Thanks for your input!
0
-
I think it's a wee bit of oxidizing. Yes, rust, but not the bad kind. Kind of like good colesterol. 0 -
hmmm....maybe it was the blueing tank being too hot? 0 -
I assume you are talking about the purple color that is there instead of the blue/black that normally would be. Usually it is caused by high carbon content of the metal. Very common with cast parts such as economical handguns, Ruger receivers, or higher carbon receivers such as 1917 Enfields and some early M12 Winchesters. The formula of the bluing salts (technically blacking since a very hot caustic solution is used rather than an acid solution like in real bluing) also is a factor in this. An additive can be purchased for the bluing salts if a person is mixing from scratch, to eliminate this condition, otherwise if you use commercial salts it usually is already mixed in. It is probably of very little or no value concern since a reblue has more than likely already lowered the value, except to people that find the color objectionable. It will last, at least in my experience, as long as the original blue.
BEER IS PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US AND WANTS US TO BE HAPPY!0 -
Had a 1965 Winchester model 94 30-30 redone because my father thought it was ok to leave it against the outside of the barn for a month and a half. Because of some rust and pitting and it being a great workhorse I had it parkerized and the reciever turned out purple or plum. I was dissapointed at first but over the years (17) and dad being gone I have come to enjoy showing it off. It still is a workhorse and all the kids shoot it and I can't wait for the Grandkids to shoot it also. Nothing to worry about as stated in a post here the only thing it affects is the value and if it's a keeper who cares.[:D]
PJ
If nobody seen you do it, how could you have done it. NRA Life Member, AF&AM0 -
Good morning scarybarry: roysha is on target! The three main varibles in this is the metal alloy, the brand of bluing salts, and the temperature of the salts, when the bluing is done. As roysha mentioned the older Winchesters that were Nickle Steel, have a real good chance of turning the plum color if the person doing the bluing, isn't aware of this during the process. Winchester used the "dilute" process when hot bluing, they learned quickly that the temperature was key. Their bluing salts had a max temp. of 310 degrees, and they would bring it right up to 300 degrees, to prevent the plum color. (Info. given to me by a former Winchester gunsmith) The plum color can appear right away, or over a period of time. Winchester used a 30 day rule, if it didn't start to turn by then, they let it go on. (again told to me by the Winchester gunsmith).
So to answer your question a "poor blue job" yes it is. As roysha said if the gun has been reblued, it has already lost it's value, since it's no longer original. Do you need to worry, no. As with any firearm, keeping the surface clean and protected with some type of gun oil, is the key to protecting the metal from the "salt" in your hands and the enviroment.
Regards Dave0 -
ROYSHA has made the correct call...Its been found that having a Case Hardened Frame or Parts or Pieces of High Carbon Steel will allow Bluing to Turn the Metal Parts Blue Color into a Plum Color...
Captain Kirk, Tech Staff0 -
Just as a matter of point, I have a Belgian Browning (Sako action) that I bought new in 1964. The rifle has never been shot, let alone reblued. The receiver on this rifle has turned a plum color. When I purchased the rifle the receiver was a uniform "blue". It has turned many years ago. When I called Browning in the '60's they said it was because of the carbon content in the steel and there was nothing wrong with the gun. They offered to reblue but I said no.
My two cents.
Jeff0 -
Folks, I surely appreciate everyone's comments. The firearm is a Dan Wesson SuperMag. It is one of the very first, which means it is relatively old. It is from the better days of DW at Monson, Mass. It is a mirror polished gun, with almost no sign of even being shot, and is in excellent condition, like new condition, so I'm not going to worry, I'm just gonna shoot it for all it's worth. I have seen a few DW's turn this way. Perhaps, as was mentioned, it's due to being investment cast. I can't imagine them doing a bad blue job, in the very early days Dan Wessons were well made. Anyway, I thank everyone for their knowledge, and willingness to share it. Barry L. 0 -
I was aware of some of the causes, but you guys sure gave some valuable info...
On a side note I bought a new Ruger 77 Mark II .257 Roberts in 1998, I kept it in immaculate condition, in a couple of years the receiver turned slightly plum. I had never seen it happen before, and had always assumed it was just with reblued guns...so I wasn't sure what happened. I did use Rem Oil exclusively so, I had even wondered if that contributed.0 -
I have a Ruger Blackhawk Flattop that I bought new in 1956 or 57 and the loading gate was that plum or purple the day I bought it.I was told is was the way certain parts accepted the bluing?
[:)]
When a worm wants to relax,does he go fishing?
ATF,Eagle Guns0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments