Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit Review

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

For years, I’ve relied on my expertise to keep firearms in top condition. The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit promised a comprehensive solution for restoring and protecting both metal and wood surfaces. I was eager to see if this all-in-one kit could deliver professional-grade results.

I was looking for a way to refresh an older shotgun that had seen better days, with a worn bluing and a scratched stock. I wanted to bring it back to its former glory without sending it to a professional gunsmith, which can be costly. I needed a reliable and complete kit that could handle both the metal and wood refinishing aspects.

Upon unboxing, the kit appeared well-organized. It contained a variety of solutions, applicators, and even a helpful instruction guide. The bottles felt substantial, and the overall presentation instilled confidence.

I considered other bluing kits and stock refinishing products, but the Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit stood out due to its comprehensive nature. Competing products often require purchasing separate bluing and stock finishing solutions, increasing costs and complexity. This kit offered everything in one convenient package, which appealed to my desire for efficiency and ease of use. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of apprehension. Would this kit truly live up to the hype, or would it be another over-promised, under-delivered product? Only time and testing would tell.

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

First Use Experience

I first tested the Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit on the aforementioned shotgun, a 12-gauge passed down from my grandfather. The bluing was faded, and the stock had several noticeable scratches and dings. I followed the instructions meticulously, starting with the cleaning and degreasing process.

The degreaser worked effectively, removing years of accumulated grime and oil. I then applied the Blue & Rust Remover to address some minor surface rust on the barrel. After several applications of the Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue, carefully following the instructions and using fine steel wool between coats, the barrel began to regain its deep, rich color. It was a satisfying transformation.

The stock finishing process was equally rewarding. The walnut stain evened out the color, and the Tru-Oil Stock Finish provided a smooth, protective layer. I applied multiple thin coats, allowing each to dry completely before applying the next, as recommended. I was impressed with the overall ease of use, although the bluing process required patience and attention to detail.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months, the bluing and stock finish have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of fading or chipping. The stock finish, in particular, has proven to be quite durable, resisting scratches and water damage during several hunting trips in varying weather conditions. The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit requires minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning with a soft cloth is all that is needed to maintain its appearance.

Compared to my previous experiences with individual bluing and stock finishing products, this kit outperforms them in terms of convenience and overall finish quality. The all-in-one nature of the kit streamlines the process, and the included solutions work synergistically to deliver excellent results. It has saved me time and money while providing a superior finish compared to my previous piecemeal approach.

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

Specifications

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit includes:

• Three ounces of Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue: This solution chemically alters the surface of the steel, creating a protective and aesthetically pleasing blue-black finish.
• Three ounces of Tru-Oil Stock Finish: A blend of linseed and other natural oils that penetrate and seal the wood, providing a durable and glossy finish.
• Three ounces of Cleaner-Degreaser: Removes oil, grease, and other contaminants from metal and wood surfaces, preparing them for refinishing.
• Three ounces of Walnut Stain: Enhances the natural beauty of wood by adding a rich, warm walnut color.
• Three ounces of Blue & Rust Remover: Removes rust and old bluing from metal surfaces, preparing them for re-bluing.
• Three ounces of Stock Sheen and Conditioner: Polishes and protects the stock finish, adding a subtle sheen and enhancing its durability.
• Applicators: Includes cotton swabs, cloths, and sponges for applying the various solutions.
• Service Cloth: A soft cloth for buffing and polishing surfaces.
• Barricade Rust Protection Gun Wipes: Provides long-lasting rust protection for metal surfaces.
• Complete Instruction Guide: A detailed guide that provides step-by-step instructions for using the kit.

These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The quality of the solutions directly impacts the final finish and durability of the refinished surfaces. The inclusion of all necessary applicators and accessories simplifies the process. The comprehensive instruction guide ensures that even inexperienced users can achieve professional-looking results.

Performance & Functionality

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit performs exceptionally well in its intended function. The bluing solution effectively restores the metal surfaces to a deep, rich color, providing excellent rust protection. The stock finish enhances the beauty of the wood while also providing a durable and water-resistant coating. The cleaner-degreaser effectively removes contaminants, ensuring proper adhesion of the refinishing solutions.

The kit’s strengths lie in its comprehensive nature and the quality of its components. Everything needed to refinish both metal and wood surfaces is included in the kit. The solutions work effectively and are relatively easy to apply. The main weakness is the time and patience required for the bluing process. Multiple applications and careful attention to detail are necessary to achieve optimal results. Overall, the Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit meets and often exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The solutions are packaged in easy-to-pour bottles, and the included applicators are designed for optimal performance. The kit is lightweight and easy to transport. The detailed instruction guide provides clear and concise instructions, making the process accessible to even novice users. There is a slight learning curve associated with the bluing process, but the instructions are clear enough to guide users through it successfully.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the refinished surfaces is excellent. The bluing provides long-lasting rust protection, and the stock finish resists scratches and water damage. With proper care and maintenance, the refinished surfaces should last for many years. Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is all that is needed to maintain the appearance of the refinished surfaces.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Birchwood Casey Deluxe Blueing & Stock Finish Kit comes with all the necessary accessories for refinishing metal and wood surfaces. There are no additional accessories or customization options available for the kit itself. However, the refinished surfaces can be further customized with aftermarket products such as stock waxes and metal polishes. The kit is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories and customization options.

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