Blueing question

[vbull]

I'm after getting a couple of old rifles properly re-blued but I want a particular finish which does have a some blue colour in it as opposed to just black. If any of you guys remember the Colt Python revolvers it's that's sort of blue I'm after. I've had some done by a well known bloke used by many on here and although a nice job they seem to be a dull black which for the rifles I want done is not what I want. Any suggestions appreciated. Just remembered, the finish on the Colts was called Peacock Blue and Parker-Hale used to do it on some of their custom guns.

[Mark D]

I think that you will find the blue on the Colt Python was called 'Royal Blue' - It was my first full bore pistol and I spent many hours polishing it

[TOBY JUG]

Take a look at gunsrestoredeurope website. Terry's done six guns for me and I have amazed by the finish.

[air-tech]

The colour does depend on the salts used but also on the base metal itself. Something you may not have control over.

[junglie]

The colour does depend on the salts used but also on the base metal itself. Something you may not have control over.

True, when I had a '77 HW 35e done a couple of years ago , the guy had to run the end block for cylinder through the tank several times to get it to match the cylinder.

[ccdjg]

Do you mean this sort of blue? http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...psxtfv3etr.jpg

I got this effect by the well known process of heating polished steel at a controlled temperature of 300 oC in an oven until the depth of blue was what I wanted. Temperature control is critical, and if you go a few degrees lower the colour is more purple blue, if you go higher it is a paler blue. Basically you are forming a thin film of oxide on the surface, which is not as durable as the normal blueing process, but is OK for general use if kept well oiled, or better it can be a given a thin coat of lacquer.
I believe the Colt process achieved the same result using a hot bath of molten nitre. It is a very bright blue, and a for me would be bit “in your face” for a complete coverage of a rifle.

[spartan]

That electric blue colour can be obtained by bluing the parts in potassium nitrate. That can also be used to get the sort of blue black finish you're after

[vbull]

That's more or less the colour I'm after although deeper and more even. Colt Royal Blue was it ? I always thought it was known as Peacock Blue, anyway, it was a fine colour and Im going to contact the company named above and see what they can do. Thanks for all the help so far.