Charcoal Bluing (updated 7-18-18)

[rich pierce]

What do the bores look like?  Do you expect or experience a difference in ease of loading?

[Eric Kettenburg]

That bottom one looks really good and very consistent!

[bgf]

Looking good.  Not surprised if the GM (1137m?) comes out different than colerain 12L14.

How about mild steel or wrought iron for parts?  Does it come out close in color and consistency to the barrel steel?

[Craig Wilcox]

I really like that darker blue with the 900 F. temp.  And at that temp, you are not going to be melting any silver.  And as long as you stick to the "hard" and "moderate" silver solders, nothing will come loose.


I think we all appreciate your efforts.

Craig

[David Rase]

What do the bores look like?  Do you expect or experience a difference in ease of loading?

Rich,
I have not packed any of the bores.  When I am done, I clean the bores by running a dry G.I. cleaning patch down the bore.  The patches all pushed through easily with no notable hang up spots and come out with just a bit of charcoal dust on them.  I then follow up with a wet patch, dry patch and an oily patch.  All bores have been bright and look as they did before bluing. 

Here are 2 of the dry patches that I ran through.  1 is from a .50 caliber and the other from a .40 caliber.

[ChipK]

Neat work Dave and it's just like you to document each step of the process.  The barrel I have the Ron Scott did back in 87 is still holding up well and one unexpected advantage of it is the process also blued the bore.  That rifle loads smoother and clean easier than any other one I have.

Charcoal bluing is very functional and extremely attractive.  It really sets off the look of a well built rifle by drawing the eye up and down the barrel. I hope your work will inspire more people to try it or at least consider it and an option.  Do we see a package deal now from you?  Barrel inlet and bluing for a project?