Scratch on barrel of Brno 21--touch-up or leave alone?

The Kurgan

The Kurgan

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I have a 71 year old Brno 21. The bluing is about 95% overall with a few nicks here and there, a bit of muzzle wear (honest use), etc. But there's one scratch that's causing me OCD. Should I try to touch it up with a Birchwood Casey blue pen or leave well enough alone? It's not that noticeable, but it shows in some lights, especially artificial and digital images. My worry is that it's hard to replicate the old durable bluing of the past.
 
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Cold blue will not protect it.I have found that cold blue seems to promote rust.If you do use it you really have to keep it oiled.Also the spot sanding to remove the scratches is going to stick out like a sore thumb along side the rest of the rifle finish.
Is that the gun I did the bolt for?
 
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Scratch the opposite side. I'm a stickler for symmetry. But seriously, I would heat it to around 150°F and put some fluid film on it then get on with life. (Before people ask, the heat removes moisture and allows the F. F. to seep into the pores.)
 
Well, the blue pen, which usually works for me, didn't work in this case. I tried 4 coats and it just wouldn't take. So, I guess I'll live with it.
 
Did you degrease before you tried the blue?
I have done lots like that , every once in a blue moon it looks good, the rest of the time, I usually have to smooth / blend it out with 0000 and G96 , or just say to hell with it.
I had good /better luck with a old quill pen, for a fine line.
 
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I was never happy with most cold blue concoctions for anything I have done. I now use Brownell's "Oxpho Blue" for touch ups of small scratches and scuffs. Degrease first, and apply a thick coating with a Q-tip Leave it sit for a few minutes, then perform the key "trick" - heat with a pencil flame micro butane torch directly on the blue paste. Just a few seconds. It will turn a deep, lasting black. Wipe off excess, and coat with oil after. Voila!
 
Lol

I didn't cause the scratch, that's why it bothers me.

The barreled-action is now out for a professional re-blue. I figured, why not, since the stock is getting tung oil refinished by Chris Griesbach, I had various bits colour case hardened by Oskar Kob, and I had a nice pre-war Brno bolt custom fitted by Jason Spencer complete with a ZG-47 safety. When it's done it will be better than new and good for another 70 years
 
Thanks, I am pretty excited about this project. I believe in keeping great rifles like the 21's as pretty as they are serviceable. :)
 
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