First Thoughts on the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme
The G-96 Gun Blueing Creme promises to restore and protect the finish of firearms, a task I’ve undertaken countless times with varying degrees of success. G-96, a name synonymous with gun care, suggests a product built on a legacy of quality, and at $11.49 for a 3 oz tube, it positions itself as an accessible solution for gun owners seeking to maintain or enhance their firearms’ aesthetics. The promise of a mirror-like finish that blends seamlessly with the original bluing is a bold claim.
My journey with gun bluing began years ago, driven by the need to restore a beloved Winchester Model 94 that had seen better days. The bluing was faded and scratched from years of use in the field. I experimented with various bluing solutions, from cold blues to hot bluing salts. I hoped that this product would provide an easier, more accessible alternative with professional-looking results.
Upon receiving the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme, I was immediately impressed by the packaging’s clear instructions and professional presentation. The tube felt substantial, suggesting a quality product. It reminded me of other cold bluing solutions I’ve used, but the texture felt different.
Compared to Birchwood Casey Perma Blue and Brownells Oxpho-Blue, the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme seemed less viscous, more like a polishing compound. My selection stemmed from G-96’s reputation and the product’s promise of a streak-free finish. The others often left imperfections that required significant buffing.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The product’s claims are lofty, but G-96’s history and the texture of the creme gave me hope that it could deliver. I looked forward to putting it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting G-96 Gun Blueing Creme to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme on an old, neglected shotgun barrel that had developed some surface rust and fading bluing. The barrel had been sitting in my gun safe for years, a forgotten project. The testing took place in my well-ventilated workshop.
Performance was immediately noticeable. The G-96 Gun Blueing Creme worked exceptionally well in the dry conditions of my workshop. I did have access to a gun degreaser, as recommended, ensuring a clean surface for application.
The creme was easy to apply, spreading smoothly and evenly with a clean cloth. No special tools were needed. After following the instructions, I was surprised by the quick reaction time and the initial color change.
The first application revealed a much darker, more even tone. It wasn’t quite the “mirror-like finish” promised, but it was significantly better than the original condition. However, the initial results showed some slight streaking in the bluing, this required a second application.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple applications, the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme has proven to be a reliable solution for minor bluing touch-ups. I have used the creme on different firearms with varying degrees of wear. It has consistently improved the aesthetic appearance and provided protection against further corrosion.
Durability is a key factor. Areas treated with the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme have shown minimal signs of wear, even after repeated handling and exposure to the elements. It seems to hold up quite well with regular use and cleaning.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a clean, lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to maintain the finish. It’s easy to clean, and the process only takes a few minutes.
Compared to my previous experiences with other cold bluing solutions, the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme is noticeably more user-friendly and produces a more consistent finish. It outperforms many of the older, harsher chemicals I’ve used. This is especially true with the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme’s ability to blend seamlessly and leave no streaks.
Breaking Down the Features of G-96 Gun Blueing Creme
Specifications
The G-96 Gun Blueing Creme is a cold bluing solution designed for touching up or re-bluing firearms. It comes in a 3 oz tube, sufficient for multiple applications on several firearms.
The formulation guarantees a mirror-like finish that blends seamlessly with the original bluing, leaving no streaks or spots. This is crucial for maintaining the firearm’s original appearance and value. The product is designed to prevent rubbing off or discoloring. This ensures long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal.
The manufacturer, G-96, recommends cleaning with a gun degreaser prior to application and finishing with G96 Gun Treatment for best results. This highlights the importance of proper preparation and aftercare for optimal results.
Performance & Functionality
The G-96 Gun Blueing Creme performs its primary function of restoring bluing effectively. It restores worn or faded bluing with a rich, dark finish.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use and ability to blend with existing bluing. This minimizes the risk of creating an uneven or patchy finish. A weakness is the need for multiple applications to achieve the desired depth of color.
The product mostly meets my expectations. The “mirror-like finish” is a bit of an overstatement, but it does provide a significant improvement in appearance.
Design & Ergonomics
The creme’s consistency is easy to work with. It applies smoothly and evenly.
It is extremely user-friendly. Little to no learning curve is required.
Durability & Maintenance
The bluing created by the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme is reasonably durable. It will last for a decent amount of time with proper care.
It is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and oiling will prolong the finish.
Accessories and Customization Options
The G-96 Gun Blueing Creme doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, the Manufacturer recommends using a gun degreaser for preparation and G96 Gun Treatment for finishing.
The product isn’t necessarily customizable in the traditional sense. However, the depth of the bluing can be adjusted by varying the number of applications. The product is compatible with most standard gun cleaning and maintenance products.
Pros and Cons of G-96 Gun Blueing Creme
Pros
- Easy to use and apply, even for beginners.
- Provides a noticeable improvement in bluing appearance.
- Blends well with existing bluing for a seamless finish.
- Offers decent protection against rust and corrosion.
- Affordable and readily available.
Cons
- Multiple applications may be necessary to achieve the desired depth of color.
- The “mirror-like finish” claim is somewhat exaggerated.
- Requires proper preparation and aftercare for best results.
Who Should Buy G-96 Gun Blueing Creme?
G-96 Gun Blueing Creme is perfect for: gun owners who want to touch up minor scratches or wear on their firearms’ bluing. It is well suited for individuals who want to maintain their firearms without the expense or complexity of hot bluing. Collectors seeking to preserve the original finish of their firearms will find it beneficial.
Who should skip this product? Gun owners with significant bluing damage or those seeking a professional-grade, extremely durable finish should probably skip this product.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality gun degreaser and G96 Gun Treatment are highly recommended for optimal results.
Conclusion on G-96 Gun Blueing Creme
The G-96 Gun Blueing Creme offers an accessible and effective solution for touching up and restoring the bluing on firearms. While the “mirror-like finish” might be a slight overstatement, the product delivers on its promise of improving the aesthetic appearance and providing decent protection against rust and corrosion.
The price of $11.49 is justified by its ease of use and noticeable results, making it a worthwhile investment for gun owners who prioritize maintaining their firearms.
I would personally recommend the G-96 Gun Blueing Creme to anyone looking for a simple and affordable way to touch up their firearms. Give it a try. It is a great option for keeping your firearms looking their best.