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CLASSIC RUST BLUE

CLASSIC RUST BLUE Reviews & Ratings

Nothing adds the finishing touch of elegance and perfection to a fine firearm quite like the rich luster of a traditional rust blue finish. Nowadays, only a handful of master gunsmiths still practice the art of producing this fine, classic finish using proven recipes more than a century old. With our Classic Rust Blue, you too can achieve the “secret” rust blue so fitting when restoring older guns, especially soft-soldered double guns, or finishing modern, exhibition-grade custom pieces. Rust bluing doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment and is actually easier for the home gunsmith and hobbyist to do than modern hot-bluing processes, while producing a deep, brilliant, finish that will outlast many modern alternative finishes. The process is time consuming, but for a quality firearm, the results are well worth the investment of time and effort.

Like the tried and true originals, our authentic formula is a precisely balanced concentration of bluing salts and acids that require diligent metal preparation and multiple applications to achieve the truly stunning metal finish you expect from rust bluing. The rich, blue-black coloration is obtained by boiling the parts in water and rubbing them down with steel wool after each application of formula. Follow the included step-by-step instruction booklet to produce the exquisite, “into-the-metal” finish achieved by master gunmakers of the 19th century. SPECS: 4 fl. oz. (118ml) net contents; complete instructions included.
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Reviews Summary
Customers generally find Brownell's Classic Rust Blue effective for a beautiful finish with deep colors. Many appreciate its ease of use and affordability compared to competitors, although some report issues such as leaking during shipping and concerns about durability. Overall, it's favored for consistent results when applied correctly, provided users are patient and meticulous.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Product Effectiveness
75%
Many users rave about the effectiveness of Brownell's Classic Rust Blue, reporting excellent color results and a smooth, deep black finish after multiple applications. Reviews often note that it works well on various steel types and provides a professional look when instructions are followed carefully.
Ease of Use
65%
Numerous reviews highlight the ease of using Brownell's Rust Blue. Customers appreciate that the product can be applied without much prior experience and emphasize the importance of following instructions for best results. Patience in the process is often mentioned as crucial for achieving desired outcomes.
Affordability
60%
Reviewers frequently mention the cost-effectiveness of Brownell's product as a significant advantage compared to competitors such as Pilkington's, making it a popular choice for amateurs and professionals alike looking for quality bluing solutions without breaking the bank.
Durability Concerns
30%
Some reviews express concerns about the durability of the finish, with a few users reporting that the bluing wore off quicker than expected. While many achieve satisfactory results, there is a notable variance depending on steel type and application methods.
Shipping and Packaging Issues
15%
A few customers have reported problems with shipping and packaging, particularly broken bottles leading to product leaks. This has raised concerns about the importance of adequate shipping protection for ensuring safe delivery.
1
Ruined 2 customers' guns
As a gunsmith who specializes in restorations, I had always used Pilkington's. I decided to try the Brownell's Classic Rust Blue due to a big cost difference and an availability issue of Pilkington's a few months ago. I knew I had the Brownell's, so when I ran low on Pilkington's, I decided to try it on 2 restorations I had come in last week, a Winchester 1906 and a Mossberg 93. After years of incredible results with Pilkington's, I was floored at what happened to these 2 guns. I had a great polish out to 320 grit on both and after carding off the second application, they were horribly pitted to the point I am having to start over and hope to salvage the stampings. Will never use this again and am pouring out what I have left.