Vinegar bolt finish removal?

Phat Eagle said:
Apparently the plum color was the result of the arsenal refurb process... You see the same color on some other Russian refurb pieces, notably RC K98 bolts. I've been told it happens when the bluing bath is too hot.
Click to expand...

The "plum" color is found on original (non captured/non refurbed)WW2 German K98 parts too.... ;)

Take a look at many WW2 photos of Soviet Soldiers with SVT40s too... Plum bolts! :D
 
BTW, since the topic of heat treating (tempering) came up, I thought I'd mention that I have been experimenting with different oven temperatures and times to produce different colours. What an interesting little hobby! After much experimenting, I have been able to replicate the dark and light straw colour found on some antiques. I have also been able to replicate the dark "blue" colouring also found on some antques. The result is a durable, even finish that provides some degree of rust protection. I don't even bother cold bluing anymore, as this is MUCH easier, and the results are MUCH nicer than a home blue job. The plum coloured bolts on Russian and German milsurps is one colour that I have never been able to create, on purpose or by accident. I don't think it is the result of tempering, but I could be wrong.
 
Last edited:
i do a small bit of knife and tomahawk making and have gotten the plum colour. it is a midrange temper colour,disappears fast, comes right after the bronze colour,and as the kurgan found out, hard to achieve. does`t mean the bolts are tempered either. i would like to get the tomahawks that colour but i get more of a black/blue. as earlier, i would leave my bolt the plum colour.
 
1944SVT-40withrefinishedBoltandBoltCarrierClose-up.jpg

With carrier stripped, original stock finish.

IMG-20130714-00826_zpsa97e1c6b.jpg

Stock refinished. 1911 to keep it company.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom