The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste Made a Bold First Impression
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless products promising the moon. The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste, however, piqued my interest with its promise of a professional-looking reblue at a budget-friendly price. I was particularly intrigued by the paste formulation, hoping for a more controlled and even application compared to liquid blueing alternatives.
My old Winchester Model 94, a trusty companion on many deer hunts, had seen better days; its bluing was worn and faded, a testament to years of faithful service in less-than-ideal conditions. It needed a refresh, and I was tired of staring at the unsightly patches of bare metal. I considered sending it to a professional gunsmith, but the cost was prohibitive.
Upon unboxing the Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste, I was impressed by the completeness of the kit. It included everything needed: Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue, cleaner-degreaser, applicators, steel wool, and even cotton swabs. The build quality of the packaging was decent enough, clearly explaining the steps for a proper blueing job.
I’ve used Birchwood Casey products before, specifically their bore cleaner, with excellent results. This made me hopeful that the Perma Blue Paste would deliver on its promise of a deep, dense finish. Compared to liquid blueing options like Brownells Oxpho-Blue, which I’ve also used, I chose this kit for its paste consistency, hoping for better control on intricate parts and reduced running. I also considered cold blue pens, but they tend to produce less durable and even results for larger areas like the entire receiver of my rifle.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the kit appeared complete, the true test would be in the application and the final result. I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation, hoping to breathe new life into my old rifle while avoiding a disastrous, blotchy finish.
Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste took place in my well-ventilated garage, specifically dedicating a free weekend. I prepped the Winchester Model 94’s receiver meticulously, ensuring it was completely free of oil and grime, a crucial step for any blueing process. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, emphasizing the importance of thorough cleaning.
The paste applied smoothly and evenly, unlike some liquid solutions that tend to run. I worked in small sections, carefully massaging the paste into the metal with the provided applicators. The garage was about 70 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity. I did notice the paste dried faster than anticipated, so small, quick applications seemed necessary.
After the initial application, I was pleased to see a noticeable darkening of the metal. However, there were a couple of minor streaks that needed attention. This required a second application in those specific spots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of handling the blued receiver, I can confidently say the finish has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of chipping or flaking, even in areas that experience frequent contact. Regular cleaning with a quality gun oil has helped maintain the deep, rich color achieved during the blueing process.
The bluing has remained consistent, even after exposure to moisture during a recent hunting trip in damp conditions. Maintenance is relatively straightforward, primarily involving routine cleaning and oiling to prevent rust. In comparison to my previous experiences with cold blue pens, the Birchwood Casey paste has delivered a far superior and more durable finish.
The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste has so far exceeded my expectations, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution for touching up or completely reblueing firearms. It delivered a finish that has proven both aesthetically pleasing and protective against the elements.
Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste
Specifications
The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste is a paste blueing kit designed for touching up or completely reblueing most guns. The kit includes: Perma Blue Paste Gun Blue, cleaner-degreaser, applicators, steel wool, and cotton swabs; everything necessary for a complete job. Its paste consistency allows for precise application and helps prevent running.
- Type: Paste Blueing Kit: This formulation provides enhanced control during application, minimizing the risk of uneven coverage or drips.
- Quantity: 1: The kit is designed for one-time use or for multiple touch-up applications, depending on the size of the project.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the ease of use and the quality of the final finish. The paste formulation contributes to a more controlled application, making it easier for users of all skill levels to achieve professional-looking results.
Performance & Functionality
The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste performs its job admirably, delivering a deep, dense blue finish that enhances the appearance and protects the metal. The provided cleaner-degreaser effectively removes oils and contaminants, ensuring proper adhesion of the blueing agent. The steel wool helps to smooth out imperfections and prepare the surface for blueing.
The strength lies in its ease of use and relatively quick application process. The paste consistency minimizes running, while the comprehensive kit includes everything needed for a professional-looking job. An area for possible improvement would be to include more explicit instructions for addressing existing rust or heavy pitting.
The kit meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations for a cold blueing product. It offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish that rivals some professional blueing jobs, especially at the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste is focused on ease of use and completeness. The packaging clearly outlines the steps involved in the blueing process, and the included applicators are designed for precise application. The kit is lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for use in a variety of environments.
The included items are designed to work together seamlessly. This minimizes the learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the blued finish is impressive, withstanding regular handling and exposure to the elements. With proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and oiling, the finish should last for years, providing lasting protection against rust and corrosion. The kit includes enough solution for several touch-up applications, extending its overall lifespan.
Maintenance primarily involves routine cleaning and oiling. This makes it a user-friendly option for gun owners of all experience levels.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste comes with all the necessary accessories for a complete blueing job. There are no specific customization options directly associated with the kit itself. However, the blued finish can be further enhanced with aftermarket grips or other cosmetic accessories.
The compatibility with other brands is primarily limited to cleaning and maintenance products, such as gun oils and solvents. The Birchwood Casey blued finish provides a solid foundation for further customization efforts.
Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste
Pros
- Easy to Use: The paste formulation and comprehensive instructions make it accessible for both beginners and experienced gun owners.
- Complete Kit: Includes everything needed for a professional-looking blueing job, eliminating the need for additional purchases.
- Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than sending a firearm to a professional gunsmith for blueing.
- Durable Finish: Provides a long-lasting and protective blued finish that withstands regular handling and exposure to the elements.
- Precise Application: The paste consistency allows for controlled application, minimizing the risk of runs or uneven coverage.
Cons
- Potential for Streaking: Requires careful application to avoid streaks or uneven patches, especially on larger surfaces.
- May Require Multiple Applications: Heavily worn or rusted surfaces may require multiple applications to achieve the desired depth of color.
Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste?
The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste is perfect for gun owners looking to restore or touch up the blued finish on their firearms. It is an ideal choice for hobbyists, hunters, and recreational shooters who want to maintain the appearance and value of their guns without incurring the cost of professional services. This kit would also be an excellent choice for anyone who likes to refinish older guns.
Those with heavily rusted or pitted firearms may want to consider professional restoration services instead. Professional services offer media blasting or other aggressive methods that are outside the scope of this kit.
A must-have accessory would be a good set of degreasers for firearms, such as the Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber. Good lighting is also important.
Conclusion on Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste
The Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste is a well-designed and effective solution for restoring or touching up the blued finish on firearms. The paste formulation and comprehensive kit make it easy to use, even for beginners, while the durable finish provides lasting protection against rust and corrosion. At a price of $11.99, the Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste provides exceptional value, making it an affordable option for gun owners of all levels.
I would personally recommend the Birchwood Casey 13701 Perma Blue Gun Kit Paste to anyone looking to improve the appearance and protect their firearms without breaking the bank. If you’re seeking a simple, cost-effective way to revitalize your firearm’s finish, give this kit a try, your trusty firearm will thank you.