metal finish for No4
Printed From: Enfield-Rifles.com
Category: Enfields
Forum Name: Enfield Gunsmithing
Forum Description: Submit any how-to's or other gunsmithing suggestions here.
URL: http://www.enfield-rifles.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5639
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 7:18pm
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Topic: metal finish for No4
Posted By: trimix
Subject: metal finish for No4
Date Posted: January 01 2013 at 1:44am
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My gramp's old Enfield #4mk1 has a slight brown tint on the receiver and some of the barrel, but it's not rust - kind of like a blued finish, but not blue... Is that normal? Or is it residue from a less-than-artful application of stain or oil for the stock? Could I or should I have the bluing redone, or can I do it myself? ------------- yeah...whatever. |
Replies:
Posted By: trimix
Date Posted: February 20 2013 at 11:33pm
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Ok here's an update. I still haven't had any definitive information about this type of finish, but apparently it's not uncommon - it looks like what my Enfield's receiver area is finished with is called "plum". Here's an example of a SVT-40 with the same finish I have on my Enfield, although mine is about 50% worn away, and not as intense as this picture shows... So what I'd like to know is whether this is an original finish, or Bubba's last big idea. Is it something that should be removed, or restored? Finally, since I have the Enfield apart right now for restoring all the furniture, should I look into having all the metals re-blued or is it better to just leave it all alone..  ------------- yeah...whatever. |
Posted By: Bear43
Date Posted: February 21 2013 at 12:48am
| The plum color usually indicates the bluing solution was not up to the proper temperature or the metal was not properly prepped. It's not all that uncommon on military weapons. Also, as the finish ages it can change color a bit. I wouldn't mess with getting the metal reblued since it really doesn't add value to a rifle all that much. Most times it actually hurts the value to strip off the original finish and reblue. |
Posted By: Canuck
Date Posted: February 21 2013 at 2:14am
| +1 to what Bear43 said. |
Posted By: A square 10
Date Posted: February 21 2013 at 2:57am
| +1 again , its also typical of a reblue , and some metal grades take that better than others |
Posted By: gwpercle
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 7:44am
| Leave it alone . Old blue turns brownish with age and is not uncommon to look that way. A new blue job actually decreases the value and desirability. I've had good results using Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust remover on old blued metal surfaces. It cleans off grime and light rust without damage to the " patina " that older firearms have aquired over the years. |
Posted By: trimix
Date Posted: February 25 2013 at 10:03am
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good advice, guys - thank you. ------------- yeah...whatever. |