Fix a scratch?

[45Smashemflat]

Assuming you have a decent older revolver, call it 60s 70s vintage. Not pristine “factory new”, but also not rode hard and put up wet. If you have a few scratches in the bluing, what is the recommended action, short of a full refinish? Should you just keep some form of rust prevention on it, or try to touch up the blue in some way?

 

[Rpg]

Wipe it down with light machine oil and leave the scratches alone.

 

[DWalt]

Or put a dab of cold blue on the scratch. It won't remove it but will make it less obvious. Refinishing is a very expensive option, best avoided.

 

[schutz5]

Sounds like my 28-2 and my pre war Colt.
Do nothing special. Just use and clean and wipe down with your favorite gun oil.
I think how you store it and your climate mostly determines the risk of rust.
In my case it is low humidity and bore-stores in the safe.

 

[chief38]

Fixing scratches in a traditionally blued gun is somewhat futile if the gun is to be shot. Many times the cold blue repair actually looks worse and even if it comes out OK, it usually wears off in a few outings. Just keep a light coat of oil on it.

I know there are a plethora of cold blue repair video's out there and for many years I've tried pretty much all methods. Again, sometimes OK if the gun isn't shot much, but if it is in your routine Range rotation or carry gun, I've not had good luck!

 

[heeter3]

Mine all have scratches and honest holster and carry wear.I like the character,patina and uniqueness it brings to each one of them.I therefore leave them alone except to clean,oil and shoot them and of course make sure they are mechanically at their best.

 

[dfariswheel]

A problem with cold blue is that it stains the surrounding original blue, and leaves a blotchy, even more noticeable scar.

Either use a needle or small tool to apply bluing only to the actual scratch, or just forget it and use as-is.

Other problems with cold blues are that it turns brown eventually, wipes off with a couple of rubs of a thumb, and if not carefully flushed and lubed the acid can actually cause rusting.