Bluing turning purple??

[James1873]

recently picked up an old model 70 and its literally turning a purple color on parts of the receiver. Just curious as to why? not that i don't like it, i think it looks kind of cool. Just wondering whats sorcery going on, thanks

 

[GMC403]

Search "Plum Bluing" in Google.

I believe it's to with the salts and certain metals during the bluing process.

 

[NVShooter]

Search "Plum Bluing" in Google.

I believe it's to with the salts and certain metals during the bluing process.

Yep, common on older Ruger single action guns. Desirable by some folks.

 

[Potashminer]

I think it is the same on some of the older Leupold scopes I have - purple / brown hue..

 

[SuperCub]

What about differing metal alloys? Would that cause it as well?

 

[Leeper]

Nickel or chromium content, hardness, bad Karma. All have an effect.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

I seem to recall on some of the earlier Ruger single actions, that 'plum red' was a colour of note on some of their loading gates. I can only guess that those parts were subjected to a separate and different bluing solution and/or process compared to the rest of the revolver.

 

[freddygotarf]

I have had same effect on some Parker Hale actions I blued but its usually just at front part of action around where it is threaded for the barrel.

 

[flying pig]

I've seen where someone has spilled a coke on a rifle and it did that.

 

[kamlooky]

Patina?

 

[j_06]

Like this?

 

[Hitzy]

I have an old WWI S&W that was eventually sold to Brazil that has a purple cylinder....

 

[GMC403]

Remington 700 "classics" we're notorious for the Bolts going plum.

One of my Whelens had it.

 

[FLHTCUI]

Yep, common on older Ruger single action guns. Desirable by some folks.

Seen a few Browning sxs the same.
Then again,maybe the lighting may play a part of this as well.
Rob

 

[Rob]

How "old"?

recently picked up an old model 70 and its literally turning a purple color on parts of the receiver. Just curious as to why? not that i don't like it, i think it looks kind of cool. Just wondering whats sorcery going on, thanks

 

[Iron Sighted]

I think Ruger #1's are known for this as well? I want to say all the pictures I've seen are on older ones, but perhaps it just takes time to occur and the newer ones will have this happen at some point as well.

 

[Rod]

If this is a pre-64 Model 70 it's a dead giveaway on a re-blue. . From the factory the receivers have a matte sand blasted texture to them and some re-blues will turn plum after a bit.

 

[James1873]

It's from 72, I'll a picture later tonight. Not sure if it's been re blued or not

 

[Rod]

Some investment cast compoents will turn plum after a bit if the bluing salts are not just perfect. . The cylinder release latch on some Colt Pythons, Ruger 77 bolt levers, Y Model 12 receivers and this is not from re-blue because sometimes investment cast do that from factory short cuts with cost effect bluing methods. . .I have not noticed this with the older rust bluing. But hot blue re-blues usually turn plum on investment cast parts very quickly.

 

[Slimbo]

Remington 700 "classics" we're notorious for the Bolts going plum.

One of my Whelens had it.

That's a really nice rifle!!