Period-Correct Firearm Metal Finishing & Rebluing
Every firearm finish begins with the condition, construction, production period, and intended use of the firearm. RGS provides traditional and factory-style metal finishing for classic, vintage, collectible, and working firearms, with each project evaluated individually before we recommend a finish or level of preparation.
Our primary services include slow rust bluing, factory-style hot bluing, Parkerizing, bone charcoal color case hardening, and historically appropriate Carbonia bluing. We also provide Cerakote for modern and hard-use firearms when a ceramic coating is more appropriate than a traditional finish.
Slow Rust Bluing
Slow rust bluing is a traditional, durable finish appropriate for vintage firearms, custom rifles, and double-barrel shotguns with soft-soldered ribs. It produces a rich, long-wearing appearance while avoiding the caustic salts used in hot bluing. The final color and luster are matched to the firearm through careful metal preparation and repeated bluing and carding cycles.
Factory-Style Hot Bluing
Hot salt bluing is the factory-correct finish for many rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and pistols manufactured during and after World War II. By matching the metal preparation, polish level, and surface texture to the firearm, we can reproduce finishes ranging from soft factory satin to deep polished blue-black.
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Manganese & Zinc Phosphate Parkerizing
Manganese and zinc phosphate Parkerizing are durable, oil-retaining finishes commonly used on military rifles, service pistols, and hard-use working firearms.
We provide manganese and zinc phosphate finishes, with the surface preparation, texture, and final appearance selected according to the firearm’s history and intended use.
Bone Charcoal Color Case Hardening
Traditional bone charcoal color case hardening produces the distinctive blue, gray, straw, and mottled patterns found on classic Winchester, Marlin, Colt, and similar firearms. The process is appropriate for selected receiver frames, hammers, levers, sideplates, and action components after their material, condition, and historical application have been evaluated.
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Historical Carbonia Machine Bluing
Carbonia bluing is a specialized prewar machine-bluing process used on selected revolver components, receivers, small parts, and other historically appropriate firearms. Because original methods and appearances varied among manufacturers and production periods, we evaluate each project before recommending Carbonia instead of hot bluing, slow rust bluing, or another finish.
Cerakote Ceramic Coatings
Cerakote is a thin, durable ceramic coating suited to modern firearms, hard-use working guns, aluminum components, and projects requiring corrosion resistance or custom colors. Although it is generally not appropriate for a traditional antique restoration, it can be the correct choice when the firearm’s materials, use, or original construction make a conventional blued finish unsuitable.