Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit Review

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit Made a Bold First Impression

As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless products promise the world. The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit, however, immediately caught my eye due to its comprehensive nature and established reputation for restoring firearms. The Birchwood Casey brand has been a mainstay in the gun care world for decades.

My need arose from acquiring a well-worn shotgun with faded bluing and a tired-looking stock. I considered sending it to a professional, but the cost was prohibitive, and I enjoy the satisfaction of restoring things myself. Opening the kit felt like opening a treasure chest of gun care essentials.

I initially considered purchasing individual bluing and stock finishing products. Kits from Brownells and MidwayUSA also piqued my interest, but the Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit offered a complete, all-in-one solution at a more attractive price point. I was excited to see if it could truly deliver a professional-looking finish at home, skeptical yet hopeful given its price of only $21.49.

Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My first project was a vintage .22 rifle with a heavily worn blued finish and a stock marred by scratches. I performed the bluing process in my well-ventilated garage, meticulously following the included instructions. I tested the Tru-Oil stock finish on a scrap piece of wood first to get a feel for the application.

The cold bluing process with Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue requires multiple applications and careful degreasing, which I appreciated. The initial application seemed patchy, but subsequent coats and fine steel wool work evened out the finish beautifully. The Tru-Oil Stock Finish was easy to apply, but required patience and multiple thin coats to achieve a smooth, glossy sheen.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks, the bluing has held up remarkably well, even after several range trips and exposure to light moisture. There are no signs of flaking or rust. The Tru-Oil finish has proven surprisingly durable, resisting scratches and minor impacts.

I’ve found the Cleaner-Degreaser to be a consistently reliable pre-treatment step for both bluing and stock finishing projects. Maintenance is simple – I just wipe down the blued surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth, and the stock with a clean, dry cloth. This outperforms my previous experiences using inconsistent methods, as the kit provides a full system to do the job right.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit

Specifications

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit includes a comprehensive selection of chemicals and applicators for firearm restoration.

• Three ounces of Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue: A cold bluing solution for achieving a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish on steel gun parts.
• Three ounces of Tru-Oil Stock Finish: A blend of linseed oil and other natural oils designed to create a durable and glossy finish on wooden gun stocks.
• Three ounces of Cleaner-Degreaser: A solvent formulated to remove oil, grease, and other contaminants from metal surfaces, ensuring proper adhesion of the bluing solution.
• Three ounces of Walnut Stain: A dye used to enhance the natural color and grain of wooden gun stocks, providing a richer and more visually appealing appearance.
• Three ounces of Blue & Rust Remover: A chemical solution designed to safely and effectively remove existing bluing and rust from steel gun parts.
• Three ounces of Stock Sheen and Conditioner: A product used to refine the finish of wooden gun stocks, reducing gloss and enhancing the natural wood texture.
• Applicators and Sponge: Various tools for applying the chemicals included in the kit, ensuring even and controlled application.
• Service Cloth: A lint-free cloth for wiping down surfaces and applying the stock finish.
• Barricade Rust Protection Gun Wipes: Pre-moistened wipes designed to protect firearms from rust and corrosion.

These specifications matter because they provide a complete system for refinishing a firearm. The individual components are formulated to work together, ensuring optimal results and a professional-looking finish.

Performance & Functionality

The kit performs exceptionally well for DIY firearm restoration, given the effort required. The Perma Blue delivers a deep, even bluing (with proper prep), while the Tru-Oil creates a beautiful, protective stock finish. The included degreaser is critical for ensuring proper adhesion of the bluing, and the rust remover effectively eliminates existing corrosion.

The main strength is the comprehensiveness of the kit. The weakness is that the bluing process can be time-consuming and requires patience. Overall, the kit meets expectations, providing a cost-effective alternative to professional gunsmithing services.

Design & Ergonomics

The kit’s packaging is practical, with clearly labeled bottles and a comprehensive instruction guide. The applicators are basic but functional. While the individual bottles are small, they provide enough product for multiple small to medium-sized projects.

The kit is user-friendly, even for beginners, thanks to the detailed instructions. There is a slight learning curve in mastering the bluing process and achieving an even finish.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, a blued finish achieved using this kit should last for years. The Tru-Oil finish is also quite durable, resisting scratches and moisture. Maintenance involves regular cleaning and oiling of the blued surfaces and occasional reapplication of Stock Sheen and Conditioner.

The kit is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only basic cleaning supplies. Replacement chemicals can be purchased separately.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit includes all the necessary applicators for the bluing and stock finishing processes. The Walnut Stain allows for some customization of the stock’s color.

While there are no specific “accessories,” the kit is compatible with various aftermarket cleaning and maintenance products. Gun oils, bore cleaners, and stock waxes can all be used to enhance the longevity and appearance of the finished firearm.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit

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Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit?

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit is perfect for gun owners looking to restore the finish on their firearms without the expense of professional services. It is ideally suited for:

• Hobbyists and DIYers who enjoy working on their own firearms.
• Owners of vintage or antique firearms looking to restore their original appearance.
• Hunters and shooters who want to protect their firearms from rust and corrosion.

This kit may not be suitable for individuals who lack the patience or attention to detail required for proper application. People seeking a quicker solution or those with very large projects may prefer professional services. A must-have accessory would be a good set of fine steel wool (#0000) for polishing between bluing coats.

Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit offers an excellent value proposition for gun owners seeking to restore their firearms at home. The price of $21.49 is more than justified by the comprehensive contents and professional-quality results.

I would personally recommend this kit to anyone looking to take on a DIY firearm restoration project. It’s a rewarding experience, and the results can be truly impressive. Get your Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit today and give your firearm the facelift it deserves!

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