Fire Bluing

drbuster · 02-28-2004, 08:50 PM

Would like to know the "formula" for fire or nitre bluing parts, such as seen on the front site, grip screws, toggle pins and even magazine pins. Randall Gibson on page 51 of his Krieghoff Parabellum, states that heating the part in a 550 degree oven for fifteen minutes gives the part a deep blue color. But is this the fire blue color? Would appreciate opinions from our expert refinishers.

TOGGLELOCK · 02-28-2004, 10:06 PM

From what I've read, Lugers use Slow Rust Blueing and Salt Bluing on later models. Charcol Bluing is something that is on Colts. Not German Lugers.

Ron Wood · 02-28-2004, 11:15 PM

Togglelock,
You are correct for the large components of the Luger, but notice that Dr. Fisher is referring to the small parts that are indeed "fire" or nitre blued on the early rust blued Lugers.

drbuster · 02-29-2004, 09:19 AM

Thanks, Ron, for the clarification. These fire blued parts are very striking to the eye and, unfortunately, very fragile and not long lasting if not care for. Thor (Ted), would you be exposing any "trade secrets" by revealing this information? You seem to have this technique mastered as well if not better than the original DWM guys.

Thor · 02-29-2004, 09:26 AM

I dont discuss my methods. Sorry.

drbuster · 02-29-2004, 10:01 AM

Appreciate your reply, Ted. An artist like you should keep your methods sacred. The "Modern Gunsmith" coloring chart depicted on our Members Gallery says the "bright blue" is obtained @600 degrees, presumably for 15 minutes, although this is not stated. Will try this and see what happens.

Thor · 02-29-2004, 12:03 PM

Thanks Herb, I appreciate it!

USMC · 03-01-2004, 10:03 AM

Herbert check your private messages.

Lugerdoc · 03-01-2004, 04:13 PM

Dr.Herb, Fire bluing can either be done in the oven or with a torch. The real secret is the polishing and that the part is ultra clean, before heating. TH

ViggoG · 03-01-2004, 09:52 PM

Herbert,
I would be VERY CAREFUL abouy Torch Blueing any Tempered Parts, ie; Springs, Extractors, Ejectors, or Magazine Latches.
The temper of these parts are critical and if over heated they may not be servicable and fail prematurely.
I would advise much practice before attempting Straw Tempering with a Torch.
Even after more than 40 years of experience I still Practice on similar sized steel scrap before the tempering of an actual part.
Viggo

02-28-2004, 08:50 PM	#1
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Fire Bluing Would like to know the "formula" for fire or nitre bluing parts, such as seen on the front site, grip screws, toggle pins and even magazine pins. Randall Gibson on page 51 of his Krieghoff Parabellum, states that heating the part in a 550 degree oven for fifteen minutes gives the part a deep blue color. But is this the fire blue color? Would appreciate opinions from our expert refinishers.

02-28-2004, 11:15 PM	#3
Ron Wood Moderator 2010 LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico just outside of the West Texas town of El Paso Posts: 6,986 Thanks: 1,065 Thanked 5,088 Times in 1,674 Posts	Togglelock, You are correct for the large components of the Luger, but notice that Dr. Fisher is referring to the small parts that are indeed "fire" or nitre blued on the early rust blued Lugers. __________________ If it's made after 1918...it's a reproduction

02-29-2004, 09:26 AM	#5
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	I dont discuss my methods. Sorry. __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

02-29-2004, 12:03 PM	#7
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Thanks Herb, I appreciate it! __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

03-01-2004, 10:03 AM	#8
USMC User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: APG, Maryland Posts: 75 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Herbert check your private messages. __________________ "We have been looking for the enemy for several days now. We found them....were surrounded! This simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them!

02-28-2004, 10:06 PM	#2
TOGGLELOCK User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: USA Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	From what I've read, Lugers use Slow Rust Blueing and Salt Bluing on later models. Charcol Bluing is something that is on Colts. Not German Lugers.

02-29-2004, 09:19 AM	#4
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Thanks, Ron, for the clarification. These fire blued parts are very striking to the eye and, unfortunately, very fragile and not long lasting if not care for. Thor (Ted), would you be exposing any "trade secrets" by revealing this information? You seem to have this technique mastered as well if not better than the original DWM guys.

02-29-2004, 10:01 AM	#6
drbuster User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Mateo, California Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 2 Thanked 71 Times in 56 Posts	Appreciate your reply, Ted. An artist like you should keep your methods sacred. The "Modern Gunsmith" coloring chart depicted on our Members Gallery says the "bright blue" is obtained @600 degrees, presumably for 15 minutes, although this is not stated. Will try this and see what happens.

03-01-2004, 04:13 PM	#9
Lugerdoc Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: POB 398 St.Charles,MO. 63302 Posts: 5,089 Thanks: 6 Thanked 736 Times in 483 Posts	Dr.Herb, Fire bluing can either be done in the oven or with a torch. The real secret is the polishing and that the part is ultra clean, before heating. TH __________________ Tom Heller POB 398 ST.Charles, MO. 63302 Tel 636-447-3006 lugerdoc@charter.net

03-01-2004, 09:52 PM	#10
ViggoG RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: South Side Virginia Posts: 534 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Herbert, I would be VERY CAREFUL abouy Torch Blueing any Tempered Parts, ie; Springs, Extractors, Ejectors, or Magazine Latches. The temper of these parts are critical and if over heated they may not be servicable and fail prematurely. I would advise much practice before attempting Straw Tempering with a Torch. Even after more than 40 years of experience I still Practice on similar sized steel scrap before the tempering of an actual part. Viggo