#65 | DIY Gun Refinishing

Roy Huntington, a recognized expert in the firearms industry, provides an instructional update on cold bluing a custom Smith & Wesson J-frame revolver. He details the critical metal preparation steps, emphasizing a 500-grit finish, and demonstrates the application of Brownells Oxpho-Blue Creme Formula. The guide highlights how meticulous prep work can achieve a professional-looking hot blue finish using a cold bluing method, impressing even seasoned firearms enthusiasts.

The speaker, Justin Evans, discusses rust bluing versus cold bluing finishes. While not a fan of either, he expresses a preference for rust bluing over cold bluing, noting that cold bluing often looks poor. He suggests that other finishes, like case hardening, would be preferable to both.

This guide details the process of fitting and trimming an aftermarket rail intended for a 6-inch barrel Colt Python to a 4-inch barrel model. The primary challenge is the difference in barrel ramp angles, which prevents a flush fit. The process involves cutting the rail to size and applying a finish to the exposed metal.

This video details a comprehensive customization of a Ruger 10/22 Takedown rifle. It covers a multi-stage rattle can paint job on the receiver and stock, installation of performance-enhancing Volquartsen internal parts, and the integration of a specialized Tactical Solutions SBX Takedown barrel. The build also features the Magpul X-22 Takedown stock, highlighting its modularity and storage capabilities, and concludes with the mounting of a Trijicon RMR Type 2 optic.

The video details the process of modifying a rail for a Colt Python revolver to fit a 4-inch barrel. The presenter explains how the original rail was designed for a 6-inch barrel, requiring it to be shortened and refinished in black ceramic coating. The process involved cutting the rail, applying a finish to the bare metal, and adjusting it to match the gun's body length. The presenter also discusses potential future modifications to fill a small recess at the front of the rail.

This guide details the installation of a Cyro backstrap on a Gen 6 Glock, specifically the Glock 19. The process involves removing the factory trigger housing pin and replacing it with an extended steel pin provided with the Cyro backstrap. This modification aims to increase the grip's circumference and improve shooting comfort by adding material to the rear of the frame, addressing the Gen 6's slimmer grip profile. Two versions of the Cyro backstrap are available: one with shock-absorbing rubber and a plain version.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.