Shotgun Barrel Rebluing/Blacking - Recommendations

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JEH

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I have a 28 bore o/u shotgun and looking for recommendations for a gunsmith who can reblue the barrels. The shotgun is relatively low value but I’m sure it would be transformed if the barrels were redone.

I would be grateful for any recommendations, and similarly an indication of the likely cost from past experience. I’m based in Nottinghamshire but willing to travel a reasonable distance. Many thanks.
 
I used some chemical stuff to tidy up the blueing on the barrels of an old shotgun. No financial value, only sentimental.
That was 30+ years ago, but I'm sure I've seen the same stuff advertised recently, maybe in the Bushwear catalogue?
 
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Many thanks for all the suggestions, much appreciated. I know Roy Martin doesn’t do the rebluing himself, I will try Midcounties.
 
You could try yourself and you've little to lose if it doesn't work. The secret, if it is a "secret", is to get the barrels hot and for that degreasing with white spirit followed by pouring boiling water through them is enough. The heat acts as a catalyst and the standard cold blue paste will work well enough on the heated barrels. Just be careful not to hold the degreased parts with your bare hands else you'll grease them up again!
 
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JEH said:
I have a 28 bore o/u shotgun and looking for recommendations for a gunsmith who can reblue the barrels. The shotgun is relatively low value but I’m sure it would be transformed if the barrels were redone.

I would be grateful for any recommendations, and similarly an indication of the likely cost from past experience. I’m based in Nottinghamshire but willing to travel a reasonable distance. Many thanks.
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www.billblacker.com

Bill Blacker & Son | Gun and Rifle Barrel Makers

Founded in 1985, Bill Blacker & Son makes barrels by hand for the finest shotguns and rifles, using the best of traditional methods combined with state-of-the-art precision machinery to ensure that our gun barrels perform as well as well as they look.
www.billblacker.com www.billblacker.com
 
More modern o/u have all sorts of different industrial finishes on them from traditional blue, which is a form of iron oxide, through black chrome and ceramic based finishes. Some can be really quite difficult to refinish short of stripping back to bare metal.

My take on most guns is that they only new once. Things like worn bluing should be there because they have been used and carried. An old gun with honest wear is absolutely fine. It’s part of its charm. An older gentleman or an older lady wear their age very well and with style. Same with old boats, cars and landrovers. I think it’s terrible. I think it’s really sad.

What I think is sad is when you resort to refinishing, facelifts etc to make them look like new. Even worse is fake patina. I have no issues with a new set of barrels looking new, or a new pin being fitted as long as the work is done well and is needed.

But spending a few hundred quid of reblacking of a perfectly sound gun won’t do much to great balance sheet of life. Instead spend that money on going shooting and making memories.
 
Heym SR20 said:
More modern o/u have all sorts of different industrial finishes on them from traditional blue, which is a form of iron oxide, through black chrome and ceramic based finishes. Some can be really quite difficult to refinish short of stripping back to bare metal.

My take on most guns is that they only new once. Things like worn bluing should be there because they have been used and carried. An old gun with honest wear is absolutely fine. It’s part of its charm. An older gentleman or an older lady wear their age very well and with style. Same with old boats, cars and landrovers. I think it’s terrible. I think it’s really sad.

What I think is sad is when you resort to refinishing, facelifts etc to make them look like new. Even worse is fake patina. I have no issues with a new set of barrels looking new, or a new pin being fitted as long as the work is done well and is needed.

But spending a few hundred quid of reblacking of a perfectly sound gun won’t do much to great balance sheet of life. Instead spend that money on going shooting and making memories.
Click to expand...
I suspect this is the conclusion I will get to, given some of the quotes for rebluing have been more than the value of the shotgun itself.
 
JEH said:
I suspect this is the conclusion I will get to, given some of the quotes for rebluing have been more than the value of the shotgun itself.
Click to expand...
My comments were based on the advice of well respected gunsmith who specialises in old British made guns. I have nice little 16 bore Webley and Scott. He opened up the chokes and cast the stock left handed so that it fits me and usable with steel. The bluing is somewhat worn. He told me not to waste the money on a reblue and just go and use it.
 
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Two options and only two to my mind they are the best traditional rust blackers. Dan Bromley at Bromley and Son and Paul Stevens at Stevens and Johnson.
 
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