First Impressions of Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit promises a simple solution for touching up worn firearms or completely restoring their finish. As someone who’s spent years maintaining and customizing firearms, I was intrigued by the prospect of an easy-to-use cold blackening system that delivers a durable, factory-like finish. This kit offers a complete solution, including everything from cleaners to applicators, for up to three full re-blackenings.
I had an old .22 rifle with a finish that had seen better days; years of use and improper storage had left it looking tired and worn. I wanted to restore it to its former glory without the expense and hassle of professional bluing. The Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit seemed like the perfect DIY solution, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to more complex methods.
Upon unboxing, I was pleased to see a comprehensive package. The kit included the Manufacturer‘s Gun Black solution, Gun Cleaner Gel, Curing Agent, Lubricant, applicators, a microfiber cloth, steel wool, and scour pads. The inclusion of everything needed, from prep to finish, was a definite plus.
I considered other options, like Birchwood Casey’s Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Kit, but chose the Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit due to its claim of superior durability and bonding. Cerakote was also an option, but far more complex and involved additional equipment. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. If the kit delivers on its promise of a durable, professional-looking finish, it could be a game-changer for DIY gunsmithing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit in my workshop, a controlled environment with good ventilation. I followed the instructions meticulously, starting with thorough cleaning using the included Gun Cleaner Gel. The instructions emphasized avoiding other cleaners, a detail I appreciated, showing the Manufacturer’s attention to the chemical process.
Application was straightforward, but I noticed the blackening solution had a strong, pungent odor. The initial blackening was uneven in some areas, requiring multiple applications as suggested in the instructions. After the curing process, the finish looked decent, but some areas still appeared slightly patchy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use (handling the rifle regularly, cleaning it after each use, and even exposing it to some simulated outdoor conditions), the finish has held up reasonably well. There are a few minor scratches from normal handling, but nothing major. Durability is definitely better than some other cold bluing products I’ve used.
Maintaining the finish has been easy; regular cleaning with a quality gun oil has kept it looking good. While it hasn’t completely matched the factory finish in terms of resilience, it’s certainly a significant improvement over the original worn condition of the rifle. It performs better than some other cold bluing attempts I’ve made in the past, but it’s not quite the bulletproof finish I was hoping for.
Breaking Down the Features of Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit
Specifications
- Gun Black (2 oz.): The core of the kit, responsible for blackening the metal through a chemical reaction. Its effectiveness depends on proper surface preparation.
- Gun Cleaner Gel (1 oz.): Specifically formulated to remove oils and contaminants without leaving residues that could interfere with the blackening process. This is crucial for proper bonding.
- Curing Agent (0.5 oz.): Enhances the durability and bonding of the blackening solution to the metal. Proper curing is vital for a long-lasting finish.
- Lubricant (0.5 oz.): Protects the newly blackened surface from corrosion and wear. Regular lubrication is essential for maintaining the finish.
- Applicators, Microfiber Cloth, Steel Wool, and Scour Pads: These are included to ensure proper application and surface preparation. The right tools are critical for achieving the best results.
These specifications matter because they provide a complete system designed to work together. Each component is specifically chosen to contribute to the overall success of the blackening process. Ignoring any one component, especially proper cleaning and curing, can significantly reduce the quality and durability of the final finish.
Performance & Functionality
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit effectively darkens the metal, providing an aesthetic improvement. However, its performance is highly dependent on meticulous surface preparation and adherence to the instructions. The finish achieved is not as durable as a hot bluing or Cerakote finish.
The kit’s main strength is its ease of use for touch-ups and small areas. However, for larger surfaces, achieving a completely uniform finish can be challenging. The need for multiple applications and careful attention to detail can be seen as a weakness.
Design & Ergonomics
The included applicators are adequate, though some may prefer using higher-quality brushes for better control. The bottles are easy to handle and dispense the solution. The Manufacturer‘s decision to include everything needed for the process in one kit is appreciated from an ergonomic perspective, however a larger quantity of cleaning gel is needed.
There’s no significant learning curve, but achieving professional-looking results requires patience and careful technique. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, though some may find the process somewhat time-consuming.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the finish is decent for a cold bluing product, providing reasonable protection against rust and wear. However, it’s not as robust as a factory bluing or Cerakote finish. With proper care and maintenance, the finish should last for a reasonable amount of time under normal usage conditions.
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain the finish and prevent corrosion. Repairs are relatively easy to perform using the kit, allowing for touch-ups as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit comes with all necessary accessories for the blackening process, including applicators, a microfiber cloth, steel wool, and scour pads. There are no specific customization options directly related to the kit. Compatibility with other brands is limited to cleaning and lubricating products; the Manufacturer specifically advises against using other cleaners or degreasers during the preparation phase.
Pros and Cons of Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit
Pros
- Easy to use for touch-ups and small areas.
- Complete kit includes everything needed for the blackening process.
- Provides a decent aesthetic improvement, restoring the appearance of worn firearms.
- More durable than some other cold bluing products on the market.
- Cost-effective alternative to professional bluing services.
Cons
- Finish is not as durable as hot bluing or Cerakote.
- Achieving a completely uniform finish on larger surfaces can be challenging.
- Pungent odor during application may be unpleasant for some users.
- Requires meticulous surface preparation and adherence to instructions for best results.
Who Should Buy Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit?
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit is perfect for gun owners looking for a DIY solution to touch up minor scratches, blemishes, or worn areas on their firearms. It’s also suitable for those wanting to restore the appearance of older firearms without the expense and complexity of professional bluing. This is a great kit for casual shooters and hobbyists who enjoy maintaining their firearms.
This product might not be ideal for those seeking a highly durable, long-lasting finish comparable to factory bluing or Cerakote. Also, if you’re uncomfortable with chemical processes or prefer a completely odorless product, you might want to explore alternative options.
A must-have accessory for this kit is a good set of degreasing wipes and a high-quality gun oil for post-treatment. Additional applicators may also be beneficial for precise touch-ups.
Conclusion on Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit
The Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for touching up or restoring the finish of firearms. While it doesn’t provide the same level of durability as professional bluing or Cerakote, it delivers a noticeable aesthetic improvement with relatively easy application. The Manufacturer‘s commitment to providing a complete kit with clear instructions is commendable.
The price of $45.89 is justified for the convenience and the included components, making it a worthwhile investment for DIY gun enthusiasts. I would recommend the Shooter’s Choice Gun Blackening Kit to anyone looking for a user-friendly solution to improve the appearance of their firearms and address minor cosmetic issues. It’s a great product to have on hand for routine maintenance and restoration projects. Give your guns a new lease on life and experience the satisfaction of a job well done.