Advice needed regarding blued barrel rifles

[Ltsheets]

I'm considering a browning xbolt hunter in .270 for my rifle this fall that ill use on any Colorado or New Mexico elk or mule deer hunts. It will probably only be my go to for one year as I'm planning on getting something custom in a 30 cal variant that's stainless steel for using next yr and after. My concern is whether that matte blued barrel will be too susceptible to rusting. Thoughts?


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[ssliger]

I have used a x bolt with the blued barrel since 2008, been thru rain, sleet and snow. I have kept it clean and no signs if rust.

 

[Ltsheets]

I have used a x bolt with the blued barrel since 2008, been thru rain, sleet and snow. I have kept it clean and no signs if rust.

Awesome! Do you use tape over the barrel end when it's really nasty out?


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[Bitterroot Bulls]

I have had some issues with rust on bluing, but of course it cleans up pretty easy.

Cerakoting seems to be a good way to add rust resistance. I am going to cerakote my blued workhorse rifle for that reason.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Wipe it down with a rag full of WD40. It displaces water. Will do fine on the matte finish.

 

[Ltsheets]

Thanks for the advice. Any issues with a wood stock in wet weather?


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[Musket Man]

Deer and elk have been killed for well over 100 years with blued barrels and wood stalks. I wouldnt worry about it to much.

 

[ssliger]

Awesome! Do you use tape over the barrel end when it's really nasty out?


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Yes, I use a piece of electrical tape.

 

[Ltsheets]

Deer and elk have been killed for well over 100 years with blued barrels and wood stalks. I wouldnt worry about it to much.

Good point. I'm probably worrying about it more than is necessary.


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[Colorado Cowboy]

Thanks for the advice. Any issues with a wood stock in wet weather?


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Maybe..... When you have taken the action out of the stock (assuming you have), did you look carefully at the inleting? I assume the stock is solid walnut, so if there was any bare wood inside the stock, it can and will absorb water if it gets wet or the air is too humid. I have made several hundred stocks and I ALWAYS put finish on the inside of the stock to seal it. If the stock is a laminate, you won't have any problem, same for composite stocks.

 

[Old Hunter]

I was given a Winchester 94 in the early 50's for Christmas. I used it all my life, and it still has no rust. I use Ballistol to protect it from rust. It was invented by Germany in WW1 to protect their guns.

Old stuff still works. Even me.

 

[Ltsheets]

Maybe..... When you have taken the action out of the stock (assuming you have), did you look carefully at the inleting? I assume the stock is solid walnut, so if there was any bare wood inside the stock, it can and will absorb water if it gets wet or the air is too humid. I have made several hundred stocks and I ALWAYS put finish on the inside of the stock to seal it. If the stock is a laminate, you won't have any problem, same for composite stocks.

No I haven't checked that. Just got the rifle tonight. Ill check and seal it if needed. Thanks for the heads up.


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