Interesting Bluing Result

[Reel Fast]

I recently stripped and polished a beat up old S&W M36. It spent 50 years at the bottom of a purse rolling around with spare change. The gun functioned well, but looked like crap. This is not my first bluing job (5th or 6th) but the blue would not set. I believe it was due to a high carbon content steel, but I could be wrong. I love the way it looks and so far it seems to hold up well.

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Let me know if you think I should have coughed up the $160 for S&W to do the work? I personally like this better, looks more authentic.

 

[45collector]

As long as you just want to keep it as a beater, and it won't rust, I'd be happy with that puppy!

I have a nickel model 36 I've had for years. Some of the nickel has started to discolor, (I believe that's from solvent not being wiped off sufficiently) and I was thinking of having it NP3'd or re-nickeled if possible. Then I thought: It's a reliable beater. Why waste the money only to have it marked up again because I know I'll be carrying it again!

 

[George D]

That looks pretty cool, but that bayo lug is not MA compliant.

I am actually just getting ready to do my first re-blue. What did you use?

 

[45collector]

That looks pretty cool, but that bayo lug is not MA compliant.

Took me a sec to figure out what the hell you were talking about!

 

[Mike-Mike]

Looks cool.

 

[soloman02]

I think the bluing job give the gun more character.

 

[jenlynn724]

I don't see much difference..If anything it looks older now..

 

[45collector]

I don't see much difference..If anything it looks older now..

I said that to a lady once and was promptly kicked in the junk.

 

[jenlynn724]

I said that to a lady once and was promptly kicked in the junk.

 

[Garys]

That looks pretty cool, but that bayo lug is not MA compliant.

It's pre-ban, so it's OK. Looks pretty good with the finish.

 

[MetalgodZ]

I like it. There's just something about an old beat up S&W snub...

 

[codenamepaul]

Was this cold blue? I found that using very hot water with the blueing solution made for much better (i.e. darker) results. Looks good overall though.

 

[RIFLEMAN1000]

Ive found rust bluing to be the best it attacks everything and leaves a nice blue / black finish .Its a little more work but the results are worth it.

 

[Keystone]

If I was going for a nice deep, rich blue and got that, I'd be mad. If I was going for a consistent finish that looks nice and will protect the gun, that'd do. Looks like a nice, worn, well loved gun.