FORMULA 44/40® INSTANT GUN BLUE Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
Overall, reviews of FORMULA 44/40® INSTANT GUN BLUE are mixed. While some users praise it for effectively touching up small scratches and parts, others report poor results, including blotchy finishes and rusting issues. The product's performance appears heavily dependent on proper application and surface preparation, with some customers unhappy with odors and consistency.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Effectiveness
55%
Effectiveness is a significant theme, with a mix of reviews. While several users find it works well for small touch-ups and refinishing, others report poor results, including blotchy finishes and rusting. This dichotomy suggests that results may depend heavily on how it is applied and the condition of the metal surface.
Preparation & Application
60%
Many reviews emphasize the need for careful preparation and following the application procedures closely to achieve satisfactory results. Users mention cleaning, degreasing, and not stopping the application midway as critical for a uniform finish, indicating that application technique plays a crucial role in effectiveness.
Odor & Chemical Reaction
30%
Several reviewers express dissatisfaction with the strong odor and chemical reaction after using the product, indicating it lingers even after washing hands. This theme suggests that the chemical properties of the bluing solution might deter some users from reusing or recommending it.
Versatility
50%
Despite mixed reviews on performance, many users appreciate the product's versatility. It's noted to work well on small parts, scratches, and in applications that don't require a full re-blue, making it valuable for quick touch-ups or refinishing projects when used appropriately.
Disappointment
45%
A number of customers report significant disappointment with the product's performance, particularly regarding re-bluing large areas or achieving a satisfactory finish. This dissatisfaction is mentioned frequently, which indicates a segment of users did not find it met their expectations.
A good product but there are better available...
Formula 44-40 is an old standby cold blue...but in my experience there are better cold blues available today. While 44-40 does what it's designed to do I think it's best left to touching up small parts where it excels. Larger areas can be problematic.
All that being said...preparation is key...don't prep the area properly and any cold blue will disappoint. Different grades of steel will give different results as well so it pays to keep several different bluing products handy.
44-40 Crme is a better product than the liquid...and Oxpho Blue...especially the Crme version is better yet. Dicropan T-4 is also an excellent touch up product.
44-40 is still good and will give good results...it's just that there are better choices today. That all are Brownell products says something very good about the company for giving us great choices.

