Deblueing Enfields

[RebelReefer]

What is the best way of going about deblueing Enfield Rifle Muskets?


Ethan S. Gallo

7th Connecticut (Irish) Volunteers

[flattop32355]

What is the best way of going about deblueing Enfield Rifle Muskets?


Ethan S. Gallo

7th Connecticut (Irish) Volunteers

Might want to hit the search button at the page top to see previous discussion on this issue.

[kemper_rifles]

That really depends on your definition of "best". In my opinion the "best" and probably easiest way is to have an experienced gunsmith like Lodgewood or Zimmerman do it.

[Nighthawk]

Ethan-

If your heart is set on debluing an Enfield, try Lysol toilet bowl cleaner. It comes in a plastic bottle with a bent neck on it, and can be found in any grocery store. Squirt some on a rag, and wipe the barrel. The bluing will wipe right off. Then wash the barrel down well with soap and water. Lastly I use a baking soda and water rinse, due to the cleaner being an acid. Best stuff I've used for this purpose, though.

[LibertyHallVols]

Ditto what Paul said on the toilet cleaner.
Ditto what Bernard said on the search function.

[Charles Heath]

Ethan,

If the toilet bowl cleaner works well, go for it. The old way was the stinky old Naval Jelly. Any improvement would be welcomed.

Naval Jelly is available at any auto parts store in small quantity, but it does leave a signature dull gray finish. It's easily burnished bright with a little elbow grease. Good luck. The whole stripping process just takes a few minutes.

While on the subject of Enfields and all that goes with that, you may decide to reblue your Enfield at some point, as well as the portion of the bayonet that was also blued. These two links may be of some service, and the booklet that goes along with the links (you may already have it) is worth the small expense:

1. Geoff Walden's very good to blue or not to blue article:

http://www.geocities.com/pentagon/Quarters/1864/enf/enfblue.htm

2. The long list of photos:

http://www.geocities.com/pentagon/Quarters/1864/enf/bluepics.htm

3. The Enfield in the Civil War - To order Geoff Walden's book: "Authenticizing Your Enfield," send $5.00 postage paid (check or money order, made out to S. L. Hughes)

S. L. Hughes
P.O. Box 4582
Frankfort, Kentucky40604-4582 (CitzComp@aol.com)

You might want to email first to make sure the snail mail info is still valid.

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The coating that represents "case hardening" on the lockplate comes off as easy as the bluing. Be careful. Of course, if you aren't replacing it with an original lockplate, Lodgewood has a dandy repro that was once a Bully Buy on the A-C Forum.

Charles Heath

[Jasper]

Ethan

I don't remmber tha company name but if you go to a gun shop or even wal-mart (I have found it there to)

It's simply called Blue rust remover

you will have the job done in 10 to 15 mins


Jasper.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo Kameraden!

Birchwood Casey's Rust and Blue Remover.

It is available at many gun shops, blackpowder shops, and large mail order and on-line vendors such as DIXIE GUN WORKS.

Curt-Heinrich Schmidt

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Rottenstone and elbow greese. Or just leave it blue.

[Arkansas Box Boy]

Mr. Gallo
The 1861 Ordnance Manual (page # 194) states:

To remove old browning: Plug the vent and the muzzle of the barrels; immerse the browned parts for one hour in boiling lime-water or lye, to remove the varnish or grease; wipe them, and put them in vinegar, in a wooden trough, for half an hour or an hour, when the browning may be rubbed off with a rag.

Sounds like a lot of fun, huh?

Don Tolbert
Holmes Member