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I just finished up color case hardening and caustic bluing classes at Lassen College and wanted to share the results. I chose an old model 1906 for the caustic bluing class and was very pleased with the results. The only detraction is the black finish of the modern bluing salts. When I set up shop, I’ll be working to get the bluish cast that we expect on vintage firearms. The model 1890 barreled action I chose just to get some experience with color case hardening turned out so good that I’m now going to have to finish it off with some nice wood and slow rust bluing on the remaining parts.
Mark, Loved the episode on bluing and color case hardening! The 1890 did come out looking quite nice! Sure would have liked to see the receiver in its various polish states, but do indeed understand the implications of trying to film during classes.
Keep it up! Tim
Thanks Tim. When I get my shop set up I plan to do some comprehensive “how to” episodes on the various gunsmithing processes. The polishing process is quite tedious, but the results depend largely on the proper metal prep, so you can’t cut corners and get good results. I was talking to Denny last evening and got some wonderful tips from him on the subject. His case colors are as good as any I’ve seen.
BTW, Congrats on getting your buck!
Mark
Super nice and enjoyable videos your putting out there Mark. Keep them coming.
Chris
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
Thanks guys. Working on a follow-up episode today showing (and shooting) some guns with original case colors. Hope to have it posted this weekend. Keep an eye out for it. Should be kind of fun. Mark
January 26, 2011
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Mark
I will also add that I’ve really enjoyed your videos, from shooting to sharing of models and differences between them, and now the gunsmithing & restoration side. Its all good stuff. Although I’ve had little interest in restored guns in the past, I can see that there could be some real satisfaction to doing the work yourself. I have a feeling that if I had the talent, tools, and drive to do the work myself, I might have a whole different perspective on the restoration of old Winchesters.
I think most everyone on this forum would agree that there needs to be careful consideration to which rifles we disturb, but there are definitely some that are good candidate’s out there.
Thanks for sharing with us.
~Gary~
Thanks Gary. I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel.
I too have little interest in restored Winchesters and have no interest in becoming a restorer of original Winchesters. Doug Turnbull and Mike Hunter, among others, already fill the need for those looking for restoration services.
I admire the policy of Edward Janis of Peacemaker Specialists. He’s a successful Colt Single Action Army gunsmith and restorer who flatly refuses to refinish any SAA that still has its original finish. If I do get to the point that I offer gunsmithing services professionally, I intend to have a similar policy. However, I don’t have an issue with refinishing vintage firearms that have been previously and poorly refinished or are in “basket case” condition.
Of course, restoration service is only a small segment of gunsmithing vintage firearms. I’m far more interested in repairing issues with vintage firearms than in restorations. Fortunately, I have access to a number of beat up, neglected and “Bubba-ized” firearms here on the ranch that really cultivated my interest in learning gunsmithing. Keep an eye out for future episodes where I will show some of these project guns. Some Examples from among many potential projects:
A heavy-barreled 1876 with a damaged muzzle impinging on the bore and a broken set trigger knockoff spring.
An 1886 with a non-functioning close-coupled set trigger and hacksawed barrel about 10 degrees from square.
A Colt Burgess that needs both an ejector collar and ejector spring fabricated from scratch.
An early 1894 25-35 carbine with a broken and brazed upper tang that’ll need to be cleaned up and welded properly.
Hopefully, there will be an interest in seeing some of these kinds of repairs. While we all love the high-end, original Winchesters, there are a whole lotta less than perfect Winchesters out there that need and deserve proper TLC. Mark
November 7, 2015
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Great episode, Mark! It’s great how the 1890 turned out so well and inspired a restoration project instead of a single job. I see no problem with restoring a rifle like this one, I have a good candidate (prior poor restoration attempts) but I enjoy shooting it too much to make it pretty. As it was the 1890 was little more than an awkward paperweight. Good call. 1906 turned out nice too, would like to see some more pics of that. Maybe as things progress. Good luck finding some nice wood! The 94 in 25-35 looks like fun, is that a 26” barrel? Looked a bit longer but I’m terrible at judging stuff like that.
Mike
Thanks Mike,
Both are going to be long term projects while I’m going through school. I’ll definitely give some updates as they progress. We have to build three custom rifles next term from bare receivers; a Springfield 1903, a Mauser 98 and a Remington model 700. I’ll be longing to get back to work on the Winchesters throughout that whole process and putting together the parts to finish them.
The 25-35 in the video is a standard 26″. I bought it at Cody a couple of years ago. The seller had a deluxe 1895 in 40-72 that I just had to have and that 1894 was sitting right next to it. Even though it’s not in great shape, the combination of caliber, set trigger and pistol grip really worked on me and I ended up going back the next day and made a deal on it. It’s become one of my favorite guns to shoot. I’m thinking it may be a good choice the next time I draw an antelope tag.
Mark
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