First Impressions of Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit promises to be a complete solution for touching up worn finishes or completely re-bluing firearms. Shooter’s Choice aims to deliver a factory-like blue finish at home with their cold blue process. This kit includes everything needed to achieve a professional-looking result, including cleaners, bluing solution, and applicators.
Years of hard use on my old deer rifle left the bluing thin and freckled with rust, so I was on the hunt for a reliable re-bluing solution. Many DIY bluing kits promise amazing results, but fall short on durability or ease of use. I was hoping the Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit would provide a durable, attractive finish without requiring specialized equipment or extensive gunsmithing experience.
The kit arrived neatly packaged, with each component clearly labeled. The inclusion of a cleaner, curing agent, and lubricant, in addition to the bluing solution itself, suggested a comprehensive approach. The microfiber cloth and steel wool were nice touches, ensuring I had the right tools for surface preparation.
I considered other bluing options, including Brownells Oxpho-Blue and Birchwood Casey Perma Blue. Ultimately, I chose the Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit because of its all-in-one nature and the promise of a durable, factory-like finish. The other kits seemed to require additional purchases for cleaning and preparation.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The inclusion of all necessary components was a definite plus, and the instructions seemed straightforward. I was eager to see if the kit could live up to its promises and restore my rifle’s finish.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit in my workshop, focusing on the barrel of my deer rifle. The workshop is well-ventilated, but the kit’s instructions emphasize working in a safe environment, so I was extra cautious. I ensured the barrel was completely free of any oil or grease, using the included Shooter’s Choice Gun Cleaner Gel.
The process was more involved than I initially anticipated, with several steps required to ensure proper bonding. The Gun Cleaner Gel worked well removing any existing grease and grime. Applying the bluing solution was straightforward, and the initial color change was promising.
However, I immediately noticed that achieving an even finish was challenging. Streaks and inconsistencies appeared even with careful application. After the first application, some areas looked great, while others were blotchy and uneven.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks, the bluing showed signs of wear, particularly in areas that experienced frequent contact, such as near the muzzle. Despite following the curing process diligently, the finish seemed less durable than a factory bluing. Some minor surface rust started to reappear in a few spots where the bluing seemed thinnest.
Maintaining the finish requires frequent cleaning and oiling. The Shooter’s Choice lubricant helps protect against corrosion, but it’s an ongoing effort. Compared to the original factory bluing, this finish requires significantly more attention to prevent rust.
My previous experience with hot bluing revealed a far more durable and resistant finish. While hot bluing requires specialized equipment and expertise, the resulting finish lasted for years with minimal maintenance. The Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit is more convenient, but ultimately falls short in terms of long-term durability and resistance to wear.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit
Specifications
- The Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit includes Gun Blue (2 oz), Gun Cleaner Gel (1 oz), Curing Agent (0.5 oz), and Lubricant (0.5 oz). The varying amounts reflect the differing roles these chemicals play in the bluing process.
- It comes with applicators, a microfiber cloth, steel wool, and scour pads to ensure proper surface preparation and application. These included items are crucial for achieving the desired finish and proper bonding of the bluing solution.
- The kit is designed for cold bluing, a process that chemically colors the metal without requiring heat. This makes it accessible to users without specialized equipment.
- The manufacturer, Shooter’s Choice, claims the kit is suitable for up to three complete re-blues or dozens of touch-ups. This provides a degree of versatility for various projects.
- The kit weighs approximately 4 oz when full, reflecting the combined weight of all the included chemicals. The weight is negligible but gives an estimate of the product’s size for shipping or storage.
Performance & Functionality
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit performs adequately for small touch-up jobs. The cleaner effectively removes surface rust and oils.
However, the bluing solution is challenging to apply evenly, and achieving a consistent, professional-looking finish is difficult without considerable practice. The final finish, while aesthetically pleasing initially, lacks the durability of factory bluing and requires frequent maintenance. It meets expectations for basic touch-ups but falls short for complete re-bluing projects.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward, with each component in a separate bottle for easy identification. The instructions are comprehensive, guiding users through each step of the process.
However, the applicators could be improved. The cotton swabs provided are prone to leaving fibers on the surface, affecting the final finish.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the bluing is a significant concern. It’s not as resistant to wear and tear as traditional hot bluing.
Maintaining the blued surface requires regular cleaning and oiling to prevent rust. This is an ongoing task, especially in humid environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit includes all the necessary accessories for the bluing process, eliminating the need for additional purchases. There are no customization options for the kit itself.
However, the blued finish can be further protected with aftermarket gun oils and waxes. These products can enhance the durability and appearance of the finish.
Pros and Cons of Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit
Pros
- Easy to use for small touch-ups.
- Includes all necessary components in one kit.
- Affordable compared to professional bluing services.
- Comprehensive instructions provided.
- Effective cleaner for removing rust and oils.
Cons
- Difficult to achieve an even, consistent finish.
- Bluing is not as durable as factory bluing.
- Requires frequent maintenance to prevent rust.
Who Should Buy Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit?
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit is perfect for firearm owners who need to perform small touch-ups on their guns to cover scratches or minor blemishes. It is also suitable for hobbyists who enjoy DIY gun projects.
This product is not ideal for those seeking a durable, long-lasting finish comparable to factory bluing. It is also not recommended for individuals who are uncomfortable working with chemicals or who lack the patience for a meticulous application process.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality set of lint-free applicators to ensure a smooth finish.
Conclusion on Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit offers a convenient and affordable solution for basic gun bluing needs. It’s a decent option for touch-ups but falls short of delivering a professional-grade, durable finish.
The price is justified for the convenience of an all-in-one kit, but be prepared to invest time and effort to achieve acceptable results. I would recommend it with reservations, primarily for minor cosmetic improvements rather than complete restoration.
Ultimately, the Shooter’s Choice Gun Bluing Kit is a useful tool for maintaining the appearance of your firearms, but it’s essential to manage expectations regarding its durability and ease of application. If you’re looking for a quick fix, it’s worth a try; if you’re aiming for perfection, consider professional bluing services.