Since I'm fortunate to have a best friend who is also a master gunsmith I've always been lucky enough to get my bluing done for free. As my "hobby" has progressed however I've toyed with the idea of getting into rust bluing. Two weeks ago I ordered the things I didn't already have that would be necessary. So far everything except the regulator for my burner has arrived but as I was anxious to get started and happen to have a few days off work I started in on the small parts today, using a two quart sauce pan and my wife's kitchen range for the boiling! Ouma wasn't pleased but we got through it. I find it amazing to watch as the parts go in looking as though they've been rusted to ruin and come out shiny and black. Got a couple more boils to go yet but this is neat!

Been finishing the stock the last few days as well. Down to the last few coats of tru-oil as well but the high humidity while good for rusting is hard on air drying stock finish! I've been reluctant to turn the A/C on in the shop since it's not terribly efficient. The stock is hanging in the house (in the dry A/C'd air) right now.

Now if that regulator shows up in tomorrows mail maybe I can finally get the barrels blued. In retrospect doing the small parts first was a good thing. It's given me some much needed practice before tackling the barrels.