Who does the best blueing?

[vmaxpro]

This is true, they are different. but "fine" or high polishing and rust blue don't really go together. Rust blue does in fact slightly etch the surface some and this is what gives it that very slight matte and very fine little "sparkle" in the metal. There is really no reason to polish any higher than a 320 finish for rust blue because the etch that takes place will set {in a manner of speaking} the final surface finish anyway. Also, more than a 320 finish and rust blue has a hard time getting "started". You really don't want a high ultra gloss chrome looking flawless Rolex polish on metal to be rust blued.
It also doesn't sound like rust blue is what the OP is looking for...rust blue has a slightly lighter blue "frosty" look to it. What he described is a very high polish and Oxynate #7

Edit: I have tried multiple times to upload a few photos of rust blued Parker DHE barrels and a 1911 "civilian" with high polish...but I keep getting a stupid "ERROR, server cant handle it" message. Anyone else having this issue????

Can you tell us more about this oxynate #7? But yes Im looking for that black mirror look.

 

[JRS]

Can you tell us more about this oxynate #7? But yes Im looking for that black mirror look.

The Black Chromex is a high grade of bluing.

 

[msinc]

Can you tell us more about this oxynate #7? But yes Im looking for that black mirror look.

Certainly sir, Oxynate #7 is Brownell's brand of hot blue. I have used it successfully for many years. it is a dark blue black color on just about every steel I have used it on. The bluing is one thing and if you have the equipment no problem, it is actually easy. Heat up the tank, adjust the mix of chemical and water...drop in the degreased and clean parts and in 20 minutes they are black. It really is that simple. The polishing is another story...that is where the time, skill and work is. The better {finer/higher/more mirror like} the polish the prettier, darker and shinier the end result.
Certain steels may appear "bluer" than others, that is to say the actual color has a blue look to it as opposed to black. Most steel I have done with oxynate #7 is the darker black like you are looking for. An example might be Remington shotguns...older 1100 and 870 Wingmaster guns will have a slightly more blue color. Also, Winchester nickel steel turns out slightly blue.
It's a good durable easy to use chemical that is predictable and it works. It is very caustic and not something I would recommend without the proper setup, which is cost prohibitive to do just a few guns. I wish my photos would load...I could show you exactly what it looks like with a high polish on a gun. Sorry, I will try later to resize them and post.

 

[vmaxpro]

I had no idea there were so many types of bluing. Pretty cool. Im going to look into this black chromex too, jrs thanks! Id like to have one in my hand I feel like pics dont do it justice.

 

[vmaxpro]

Msinc, my email is rotrexvrod@yahoo.com if you cant get pics to work thanks!

 

[msinc]

I had no idea there were so many types of bluing. Pretty cool. Im going to look into this black chromex too, jrs thanks! Id like to have one in my hand I feel like pics dont do it justice.

Maybe not the same thing as this black chromex, but many moons ago {70's} when handgun hunting got big, but there were not too many stainless guns made, a lot of guys sent their pistols to an outfit named MMC to have them black chromed. Black chrome is actual chrome plating that is black. It is way more durable because it is actually a plating over the metal and not a chemical reaction like bluing. Everything can wear, don't get me wrong, but black chrome was very durable. Kind of like hard chrome only shiny and jet black. Haven't heard of anyone doing it or having it done for a long time.
If I remember right Weatherby rifles have black chrome plated bolt handles on their Mark V and Vanguard rifles at one time, not sure if they still do this but they did in the late 70's early 80's at least. If I remember right MMC also made adjustable handgun sights. Many a Super Blackhawk and Model 29 went to Don Kelly at Mag-Na-Port to have that done and then on to MMC for a sight and black chrome back in the day.

 

[butchlambert]

As mentioned by msinc, rust blue does not have the shine like a Weatherby blue.

 

[DickE]

I use Du-Lite chemicals. Have had excellent results over the years. "70% of USA Firearms Manufactures use Du-Lite Black Oxide salts and Rust preventative oils". Tried others, but this is the best.
If you want old Ruger or Smith and Wesson finish....its in the prep, before the bluing.

 

[Babbylon44]

I forgot to mention, do any of these guys do metal finishing or should I polish everything myself?

I don't think you need to do it yourself.

 

[hoz53]

Certainly sir, Oxynate #7 is Brownell's brand of hot blue. I have used it successfully for many years. it is a dark blue black color on just about every steel I have used it on. The bluing is one thing and if you have the equipment no problem, it is actually easy. Heat up the tank, adjust the mix of chemical and water...drop in the degreased and clean parts and in 20 minutes they are black. It really is that simple. The polishing is another story...that is where the time, skill and work is. The better {finer/higher/more mirror like} the polish the prettier, darker and shinier the end result.
Certain steels may appear "bluer" than others, that is to say the actual color has a blue look to it as opposed to black. Most steel I have done with oxynate #7 is the darker black like you are looking for. An example might be Remington shotguns...older 1100 and 870 Wingmaster guns will have a slightly more blue color. Also, Winchester nickel steel turns out slightly blue.
It's a good durable easy to use chemical that is predictable and it works. It is very caustic and not something I would recommend without the proper setup, which is cost prohibitive to do just a few guns. I wish my photos would load...I could show you exactly what it looks like with a high polish on a gun. Sorry, I will try later to resize them and post.

youve got to resize the pics because they are to large and they limit the size. i use irfanview like theforum boss suggests. free download-- there is a post on one of the forums by forum boss about how to do it. pretty easy - ill help if you need it.

 

[JRS]

Robar blackens stainless steel via a conversion process.

 

[JRS]

 

[M-61]

I have a Colt-Sauer (22-250) that has the finest bluing I have ever seen on a factory rifle. Actually out does Weatherby Mark V's by quite a bit.

 

[msinc]

I have a Colt-Sauer (22-250) that has the finest bluing I have ever seen on a factory rifle. Actually out does Weatherby Mark V's by quite a bit.

Yes sir, I agree and I have one of those rifles too. Mine is a 30-06. Isn't that the one where the bolt doesn't turn??? Or something strange like that...I have never shot it, I acquired mine in with another deal. Colt has produced/sold some very high polished guns over the years. I also have a civilian model 1911 from 1920 that has a very high polish blue, as did some of the 1903/1908 pocket hammerless pistols.
Didn't Sauer make the Weatherby rifles at one time???

 

[M-61]

Yes sir, I agree and I have one of those rifles too. Mine is a 30-06. Isn't that the one where the bolt doesn't turn??? Or something strange like that...I have never shot it, I acquired mine in with another deal. Colt has produced/sold some very high polished guns over the years. I also have a civilian model 1911 from 1920 that has a very high polish blue, as did some of the 1903/1908 pocket hammerless pistols.
Didn't Sauer make the Weatherby rifles at one time???

Yes, I think they were referred to as Weatherby/ Sauer.
Yes, the bolt does NOT turn. Interesting lugs. It is strange by our standards but Blaser, Heym, and a few others have some very fascinating ways of locking the bolt. (at least to me.....fingers, balls, etc.) I have never seen this type of action used in a BR competition so it is either no better, or no reason, or cost prohibitve, the latter being not a good reason as I don't think there is a limit some owners have on price if it did improve accuracy.
My Colt Sauer bluing (IMO) is unmatched in depth, color, and uniformity. Stock is really nice to. Factory rifle....really amazing.

 

[dcali]

I have a Colt-Sauer (22-250) that has the finest bluing I have ever seen on a factory rifle. Actually out does Weatherby Mark V's by quite a bit.

My dad has one of those. Strangest action I’ve ever seen. And yes, they put an incredible finish on them.