Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz Review

The Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz Made a Bold First Impression

The Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz promises a deep blue luster on firearms, even for complete reblue applications. As someone who appreciates maintaining and restoring firearms, especially older ones with worn finishes, I was eager to see if this product lived up to the Birchwood Casey name. The allure of a simple, at-home solution for bluing, rather than sending firearms to a professional, was quite appealing.

My path to this product started with a frustrating scratch on my father’s vintage shotgun. It had been a safe queen for years, but a recent move resulted in a deep scratch on the barrel. While I could have sent it to a gunsmith, I was hoping for a cost-effective and quicker DIY solution.

The Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz arrived in a simple, no-frills plastic bottle. At first glance, the small size of the bottle concerned me, would 3 ounces be enough? The liquid itself was a dark, almost black color, which I assumed was normal. I chose it over bluing pens, which I find often provide an uneven and thin coating, and paste-based bluing, which can be difficult to apply smoothly.

First impressions were cautiously optimistic. If this little bottle could deliver on its promise, it could save me a lot of time and money.

Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz on the scratched barrel of my father’s shotgun. The garage workbench became my makeshift laboratory, with plenty of light and ventilation. I followed the instructions meticulously: degreasing the area with alcohol, applying the bluing solution with a clean cotton swab, and allowing it to sit for the recommended time.

Initially, the bluing took well, but the result was blotchy in some areas. I attributed this to inconsistent application on my part and gave the shotgun barrel a second treatment after throughly cleaning the initial application. This process helped to even out the finish. Thankfully, I was wearing gloves, as the solution definitely leaves a dark stain on skin!

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks, the bluing held up well under careful use and cleaning. The bluing on the shotgun is holding up well. I found myself reaching for the Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz on other projects, like touching up some small nicks on a rifle receiver.

Durability seems to be decent, but I suspect it won’t withstand heavy abrasion without reapplication. Regular cleaning and oiling are definitely necessary to maintain the finish. Compared to hot bluing, it is definately less durable, but much easier to do at home.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz

Specifications

The Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz has the following specifications:

• Cold blue formulation: It operates at room temperature, eliminating the need for heat. This makes it ideal for at-home use.
• Works on all steel (except stainless steel): This versatility is a major plus, although I would never try it on a stainless steel firearm.
• Specifically formulated for a deep blue luster: The promise of a deep blue finish is the key selling point, I was hoping for a classic look.
• For complete reblue applications: Suitable for both touch-ups and full firearm refinishing. I have only used it for touch ups so far.
• Three ounce plastic bottle: The small bottle makes it easy to store and handle.

These specifications are important because they dictate the types of projects the product is suitable for. Its cold bluing formulation allows amateurs like myself to do bluing without the complex equipment requirements of hot bluing.

Performance & Functionality

The Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz works reasonably well for small projects and touch-ups. It effectively darkens the steel, providing a blued appearance. However, achieving a consistent, even finish requires practice and patience.

The product’s strength lies in its ease of use. Its weakness is the potential for uneven results if not applied carefully. For the price, the product meets my expectations, but it’s not a replacement for professional hot bluing.

Design & Ergonomics

The bottle’s design is simple and functional. The small size allows for precise application. The liquid consistency is thin, which helps it spread easily, but it also means it can run if you apply too much.

The product is relatively user-friendly, although I would recommend watching a few online tutorials before using it for the first time.

Durability & Maintenance

The blued finish is not as durable as factory bluing or hot bluing. It’s prone to wear and tear, especially with frequent handling. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to maintaining the finish.

The solution itself has a long shelf life if stored properly. Maintenance involves simply keeping the blued surface clean and oiled.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come with the Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz. Compatibility with other products is primarily limited to cleaning and degreasing agents, as well as various oils for maintaining the finish. I highly recommend using Birchwood Casey’s cleaner-degreaser before applying the bluing liquid to achieve the best results.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Presto Blue Magnum Blueing Liquid 3 oz