Smyth Busters: Is Cold Blue as Good as Hot Blue?

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 video offers essential tips for the home gunsmith, emphasizing self-sufficiency and practical techniques. It covers knowing your limits, investing in quality tools like the Brownells Magna-tip screwdriver set, and effective methods for dealing with stuck screws using products like Kroil and understanding thread lockers. The guide also details cold bluing for touch-ups, rust removal, the benefits of ultrasonic cleaners, maintaining a clean workspace, and leveraging resources like 'Gunsmith Kinks' books. The speaker, an established subject matter expert with years of experience, encourages hands-on learning and building true expertise through disassembly and understanding firearm mechanics.

This guide details a professional cold blueing technique for firearms, emphasizing the superiority of creme-based solutions like Brownells Oxpho-Blue Creme over liquid alternatives. Expert gunsmith Roy Huntington explains the critical steps of proper degreasing, heating the metal, applying the creme, and buffing with 0000 steel wool for a durable, consistent finish. Multiple layers are recommended for a deep, professional result.

This guide details the application of Cerakote, a high-performance firearm finish. It covers essential preparation steps like complete disassembly, thorough cleaning, and proper substrate preparation via sandblasting. The guide emphasizes using an HVLP spray gun for a thin, uniform application and outlines the different Cerakote series (C, H, F) and their curing requirements. Proper preparation is highlighted as critical for a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

This video details the process of restoring a classic Stevens .22 rifle, likely from the 1910s, purchased for $50. The speaker, a self-taught gunsmith, outlines steps including disassembly, bore inspection and potential relining, repair of the extractor and firing pin, cosmetic work like cold bluing, and stock conditioning. The emphasis is on the rewarding nature of bringing old firearms back to life.

This YouTube video from Brownells demonstrates the contents of their Duracoat Shake n' Spray Finishing Kit. The description highlights the convenience of this kit for firearm finishing applications. The video provides a look at what is included in the kit, suggesting a focus on DIY firearm customization and maintenance.

This guide details the installation of a Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail on an AR-15 platform. It covers securing the upper receiver, installing the barrel nut, gas system, and the rail itself, emphasizing the use of specialized tools and proper torque specifications. The process requires an intermediate skill level and careful attention to detail for a secure and functional build.

This guide, based on expert instruction from Brownells, details essential practices for proper ammunition storage. It emphasizes using airtight containers, managing humidity with desiccants, and maintaining stable temperatures to ensure ammunition reliability and safety. Proper storage is crucial for preventing corrosion and propellant degradation, especially for sensitive components like primers.

This guide details the process of upgrading an AR-15 from standard A2 furniture to Magpul components. It covers the removal of the A2 pistol grip and installation of the Magpul MIAD Grip and Magpul PRS Stock. The video demonstrates efficient assembly using specialized tools, highlighting the ergonomic benefits and adjustability of the Magpul parts. Instruction is provided by Brownells, a recognized industry authority.

This entry details the creation of a movie prop suppressor for a Remington 11-87 used in 'No Country for Old Men.' Prop master Larry Zanoff explains how the suppressor was designed to look homemade and was non-functional, with sound effects added in post-production. The process highlights the creative problem-solving involved in film armory.