Browning an already blued rifle.

dan_1 · Apr 5, 2024

Hi All,

I tried to search to see if this has been asked before, but I didn't find anything. I have a TC Hawken rifle that I'm refinishing. I would like to change the finish from blued to Brown. Is it possible? Do I need to remove the bluing first? Can anyone list out the process?

Thanks!

DCAN · Apr 5, 2024

I just did the same thing, and I removed the blue just to be sure it wasn't an issue. Came out just fine. I used a file then 220 sand paper. Much easier than filing a new barrel.

Beaverman2 · Apr 5, 2024

Naval jelly and 0000 steel wool, paint the naval jelly on, let it sit til almost dry then hit it with the steel wool, melts right off, if it's too dry hit it again with the jelly, then use some acetone, or lacquer thinner or my favorite chlorinated brake cleaner to prep it for brown, have done this over a dozen times, keep your uncovered hands and fingers off the barrel after clean!

DOUBLEDEUCE 1 · Apr 5, 2024

Try the browning solution on the underside of the barrel without removing the bluing. See how that works out for you.

Edm · Apr 5, 2024

I browned the barrel on an inexpensive kentucky pistol. I filed the barrel first. Nothing major.

dan_1 · Apr 5, 2024

DOUBLEDEUCE 1 said:
Try the browning solution on the underside of the barrel without removing the bluing. See how that works out for you.

That's the easiest!

bpd303 · Apr 5, 2024

I use Birchwood Casey Blue & Rust Remover. Leaves the metal prepped for Plumb Brown.

Beaverman2 · Apr 5, 2024

bpd303 said:
I use Birchwood Casey Blue & Rust Remover. Leaves the metal prepped for Plumb Brown.

which is just naval jelly

bpd303 · Apr 5, 2024

Beaverman2 said:
which is just naval jelly

Actually it is not, it's a liquid and goes on with a swab and easier to get off. I have used both and by far and away prefer the Birchwood Casey.

TDM · Apr 5, 2024

As said, just remove the old blueing with naval jelly, Birchwood, or vinegar. Clean with any good solvent, I prefer denatured alcohol. Wear rubber/latex gloves and apply your browning.

Wirehair · Apr 6, 2024

Here's a commercial cleaning product you may already have - CLR (calcium, lime and rust). I've used it to remove carbon buildup in centerfire rifles. It will also remove blueing very effectively without harming the metal. I found this out the hard way.

tenngun · Apr 6, 2024

Just a note, blueing was pretty common. Many old brown barrels were blued when new.

Rifleman1776 · Apr 6, 2024

I once browned a TC barrel right over the factory blueing. Came out just fine and looks very nice.

CuNosecap · Apr 6, 2024

Of the many products that will remove bluing, I find Evaporust to be the fastest and easiest.

Browning an already blued rifle.

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