Rust blued a BSR

[outta_ammo]

Before you're horified, a little backstorey: I recently aquired a Lend/Lease BSR that had gone to New Zealand in '42. By the time I get it, it had been stripped of it's original finish and – remember, it went to the commonwealth – painted. At first I thought ok, probably that Suncorite that I've heard is really difficult to remove. Then I went after a small exposed area with a bit of rust with Brownell's rust remover, which proceded to eat through the paint. So not Suncorite. Rustoleum? I'll never know.

So I decided to unpaint the whole thing and rust blue it. The interim steps look pretty scarry, but it turns out fine. No attempt was made to clean up evidence of use by polishing.

Steps are: degrease, lightly coat with rust blue and allow to dry, recoat and allow to dry, steam for 45 minutes, boil for 15 minutes, card, and repeat. In this case three times.

Here follows it's progress...

1st steaming
1st boiling
3rd boiling
final carding

 

[ACORN]

I'd have wanted to throw up after the first pic.
Last pic is looking good.
I like the look of rust bluing.

 

[brucev]

Remarkable recovery of a fine revolver! Congratulations! Sincerely. bruce.

 

[outta_ammo]

I'd have wanted to throw up after the first pic.
Last pic is looking good.
I like the look of rust bluing.

If you don't feel the sudden urge to vacate your bowels after seeing the first steam you're not doing it right.

 

[Old_Cop]

That is an interesting measurement of success.

 

[Beemer-mark]

A few years ago I rust blued a 2nd gen Colt SAA that had zero finish. I live in the South on the coast so Humidity most of the year is through the roof. Any way the revolver looks fantastic. You can't tell it's not original unless your a Colt guy or have something to compare it to. And for what it's worth I basically a klutz doing anything like this.

 

[delta-419]

Rust Blue

Rust Blue is an old and true process often forgotten by our "new modern technology". It is expensive in terms of labor and time, but, to me, very rewarding. A few minutes a day, after the process has started, is all that is needed to produce outstanding results. Bravo!!! you did an excellent job and are to be commended for your time and labor of love. It is my first consideration when a project shows up in dire need of a bluing. Here is a chance to show one of my projects, again, a rescued TL from the "bone yard".

 

[younggun22]

Great work! Would love to try it!

 

[Tom-R2]

A few years ago I built a steel 1911 and decided to rust blue it (same bluing company you used, maybe different formula). After first rust session, my thought was, "Oh my, what have I done to my gun?" Well, I finished several steps and decided I had put a pretty good finish on my gun and was happy with it. Now, I'm working on another one, that will have the same finish.

 

[Igiveup]

outta_ammo, what markings designate the revolver for New Zealand? I have seen England and Canada markings, as well as Austrailia. Two of those were marked after service.

 

[outta_ammo]

outta_ammo, what markings designate the revolver for New Zealand? I have seen England and Canada markings, as well as Austrailia. Two of those were marked after service.

Kevin—NZ Stamped on the knuckle (pic is from it's painted days).

 

[Igiveup]

Thanks outta_ammo. I'll have to keep an eye out for one of these.