Traditional Hot Salts Bath Rebluing
High-Grade Hot Salts Bath Rebluing
Traditional hot salt bluing became the standard metal finish for the firearms industry right at the outset of WW II, and in still is. When a durable black finish is desired on a firearm, this is the main finish that is used. Hot bluing is the period correct metal finish for most all hunting and sporting firearms that require rebluing made for the last 80 years.
Hot salt bluing can take on many looks and color variations which are controlled by the type of metal polishing and prep prior to the bluing itself. Many have heard of the term Colt Royal Blue, which is a phrase collectors have given to the early Colt Pythons, which have always been praised for their absolute mastery of polishing and bluing. Some of the other variations of this finish can alter the look from a very deep black like in old Weatherby and Sako firearms to a more bluish tone as in some of the Ruger or Marlin classic lever guns.
You may have read elsewhere that when refinishing early Winchester Nickel Steel parts and components some shops have the inability to get a proper blue black color on them and they report they turn out a red or purple. Rest assured at RGS Restorations we know how to absolutely get the color of your classic Winchester spot on factory correct!
Factory-Correct Polishing & Luster Levels
Whether rebluing a Colt or Smith & Wesson revolver, or refinishing a favorite Remington 742 hunting rifle, matching the correct and original polishing lines and grit is essential to making your firearms look perfect just as they did when new. When performing a restoration or reblue, we always make sure to copy these exact maker specific nuances to perfection. All screw holes and edges remain perfectly sharp.
It's an unfortunate fact that people have been conditioned to think a hot blue job is sub-par compared to some of the other metal finishes, but the reality is a proper hot blue finish every bit there equal. In my opinion hot blue is one of the most attractive metal finishes one could choose. And, of course it is a very common finish to be found on many custom firearms.
Hot blued Remington Rolling Block receiver showing the contrast created by polished and matte surface preparation.
Custom Firearm Finishing
Hot blue is used a lot when we provide finishing for custom firearms. Many times a combination slow rust blue and hot blue are used on the same firearm. The Remington Rolling Block Pictured is a great example of Hot Blue and Rust Blue used on the same custom rifle Build.
Common Hot Bluing Questions
Considering This Finish for Your Firearm?
Tell us about your firearm, its condition, and what you would like to accomplish. We'll help determine the appropriate finish and level of preparation for your project.