The butt plate on the rifle was reblued along with all the other metal components. I searched the web trying to research whether these were originally blued or case-hardened. I could not get a definitive answer.
I had purchased some steel dyes that are designed to simulate case-hardening and I decided to polish the metal and give it a try. I figured that I could always rust blue the metal later if I didn't like the outcome or if I found out that it was incorrect.
The process is easy and fun to do. I can't say anything about the durability but I did topcoat with satin clear.
I like the look.... I think that I will keep it.