The Guns & Ammo Network

Chrome Bore Shotgun Test?

by Reid Coffield • August 29, 2011 • 10 comments

Chrome Bore Shotgun Test

If you can color the bore with a touch of cold blue, most likely it's not a plated bore. Chrome plating resists the cold bluing, so will not discolor when itís applied.

Question: How can I tell if the bores of my over and under shotgun are chrome-plated?

Answer: First clean the bore thoroughly to remove all traces of oil, solvent or fouling. Next take a good cold blue and using a Q-tip, apply a drop of the cold blue to the surface of the bore at a point where you can easily see it. I usually do this near the muzzle. If the bore is chrome-plated, the cold blue will have no effect on the steel; it will not color the metal. If, on the other hand, the bore is not plated; the cold blue should darken or discolor the steel.

By the way, some manufacturers such as Browning will chrome plate the chamber but not the bore on some shotguns. To check the bore, be sure to actually conduct the cold blue test in the bore and not in the chamber.

In Ask the Gunsmith, Gunsmithing, Shotguns
  • Dave M

    As always great pratical advice from Coffield. One of my top reasons for reading Shotgun news.

  • T. B. Ferlet

    How do you go about asking the gunsmith a question ?

    In case this is it, my question is pretty simple.

    I have a M1911 made in approx 1917, in original condition. It does have some small spots of surface rust that I would like to remove with out damaging the finish. What is the safest/best way to accomplish this ? I reside in Kalifornia and there are very few smiths left here or I just can't find the good ones. Thanks for any assistance,,,,,Ferley

    • Mike M

      Keep it oiled and original as long as you can, and take it out for a little run on the range from time to time.

    • http://PeteinAZ Peter Woodland

      If the rust is truly just a cosmetic issue you can use 0000 (very fine) steel wool and some oil (I like Ballistol but others work well). It is sometimes possible to remove the rust without hurting the blue but if it does expose bare metal a bit of cold blue should blend in. Be sure to clean the area well before applying the blue and oil well after. Happy shooting.

    • ERNIE A.

      USE FOUR "O" STEEL WOOL WITH GUN OIL AND VERY LIGHT PRESSURE.

    • Roger

      Ferley,

      If you want to remove the surface rust, you can also try using Flitz metal polish. It will eliminate surface rust without damaging the blue finish. However, be aware that if the surface rust itself has damaged the blue finish, you will have bare metal and need to apply cold blue to touch it up. Using a microfiber cloth is best, but any cloth will do with Flitz.

      Roger

    • Al Brady

      We've some nice answers here, but I'd have to say use BRONZE wool (a touch softer than steel) and a little oil. Cold blue was never meant to blue complete items, but touching up spots like this is just what it's about. Oxphoblue (available from Brownel's, just like the bronze wool) is my favorite.

  • Ed C

    Don't use steel wool at all. Instead use a brass bristle brush like those 3-brush sets. Steel against steel will mess up the original finish. The brass will not remove bluing if the rust is only surface type. Oil the gun after. The brass coating will come off with use.

  • MARK

    NOT RELATED TO THE BLOG. QUESTION IS CAN HORNADY 50AE RELOAD BULLETS BE FIRED SAFLY THROUGH A .50CAL MUZZLE LOADER? ARE THE DIMENTIONS OF THE TWO DIFFERENT?

    • Charles

      Get some what are called (Amway) Scrub Buds@ . This is a genuine stainless steel -ChoreBoy- type of kitchen scrubbing pad. They can be had from other sources, but that specific product can be easily found on eBay (pricey- but worth it).
      Now, the blued metal MUST be dry -no oils , or any other type of lubricant or moisture. The Scrub Buds used dry -only- will remove rust from a blued surface without harming the bluing -no scratches, nothing- .
      I don't know why this works like it does, but works great it does. You've got to remember though, no lubricant or moisture of any kind can be present or the blueing will get damaged..