[Ibmikey]

I have never been one to rely on cold blue for much of anything but after receiving my Argentine Hi Power I knew a refinish was in order. I made arrangements to have the pistol Cerakoted but having a bottle of Brownels cold blue I began the project. First the parts were cleaned with brake cleaner, scrubbed with OOOO steel wool and finally cleaned with alcohol. This process was repeated several times daily for a week resulting in a reasonably nice finish finally buffed with the steel wool and oil for next to no monetary outlay. I will probably go through with the Cerakote if my cold blue begins to wear prematurely.

 

[VIS35]

Looks good. I've used Oxpho-Blue many times ( including two Israeli surplus MKII HPs ), and with experience the finishes became quite nice. In my experience, it wears very well.

 

[RoverGuy]

How long does the cold blue process take?

Did you also replace the thumb safety?

 

[bradsvette]

That looks amazing. Great job. IMHO, cold bluing holds up much better than people typically believe. I think you're good to go.

 

[tray burge]

Nice grips.

 

[ToddSig]

Nice job Ibmikey, looks great. Even if the cold bluing starts to rub off from use, it is easy to apply another application of cold blue.

 

[Jim Watson]

The gunsmith who refinished my guns after the Incident with house fire has an Oxpho Blue process. I don't know how durable it is, I haven't been pulling those guns in and out of a case much, but it LOOKS good.

 

[AustinWiseGuy]

Sometimes a gun needs to be left alone, and then sometimes a real beauty rises. Thats a nice looking gun.

 

[drmordo]

Looks great! I wish I had the time and patience.

 

[Ibmikey]

I changed the safety with one from BHSS and the grips are Hogue Goncalo Alves At about $60 a pop, they are thin and my hand fits comfortably....I use them on many of my Hi Powers. The applications of cold blue looking good depend on the preparation of the metal, oil free scrubbed with brake clean helped....use rubber gloves so oils in skin do not leave marks. I cleaned with alcohol between coats, use a wet cloth patch but not wet enough to leave bubbles on metal....I rubbed it on in the same direction each coat....lightly carded with steel wool and a drop of oil between coats.

 

[RoverGuy]

I will have to try the BHSS safety. The "stock" one, like in your before picture, is too small for me. Looking for an alternative.

After photo looks great.

 

[Ibmikey]

Rover, You might also consider the single side extended safety from cylinder and slide although I prefer the one on this pistol. Also Brownels has a nice ambidextrous safety for a reasonable price.