Evaluating a Luger finish

[Johnny Peppers]

I have yet to see a cold blue solution that will match either the rust blue or hot salt blue used on Lugers. The value of the pistol has certainly been hurt by the use of cold blue, and should fool no one. If you suspect that cold blue has been used on a gun, just rub the area with your finger until it gets a little warm, and the smell of the copper sulfate is very apparent. Beware of a pistol that has been drenched in oil to mask the odor of the copper sulfate. Also the Mini-Mag flashlight will really highlight any areas that have been touched up.

There is not and never will be a scientific method of determining the percentage of finish remaining on a firearm. The percentage method if used honestly is probably the best method to date. If a gripstrap has full blue coverage but the blue is starting to thin, this should be noted in the description of the pistol. The percentage method used with a full disclosure of any additional information needed to evaluate the pistol along with a no charge return policy is your best bet for buying a pistol that you have not seen. The final evaluation comes down to the buyer being satisfied.