When the season wraps up, we take the time to give our shotguns the attention they deserve. Whether it’s a trusted vintage double, a well-used pump, or a modern workhorse, the principles of post-season care remain largely the same. It’s not about reinventing the wheel—just good, basic field maintenance done right.
There’s something almost magical about Damascus barrels. The swirling, layered patterns that dance along the metal are unmistakable, carrying the allure of artistry and old-world craftsmanship.
For avid collectors of antique firearms, nitre bluing represents not only an enduring finish but a vivid connection to an era when craftsmanship and aesthetics were as important as functionality. Let’s take a deep dive into the origins, development, and legacy of this iconic metal finish—and perhaps uncover a few surprises along the way.
If there’s one thing a collector loves, it’s a firearm that tells a story. And when it comes to finish work, few methods speak to the craftsmanship and timeless appeal of the old ways like rust bluing.
In this article, we’ll dig into the origins of charcoal bluing, why it was such a prized technique, and how it changed over time as firearms manufacturers moved into the modern era.
While the technique dates back centuries, Turnbull Restoration has played a pivotal role in preserving and perfecting this traditional metal finish and others over the last 40 years.
We see it often. You’ve come into possession of an old rifle, handgun or shotgun, and it’s now sitting idly in your safe. Perhaps it was passed down to you by a relative. Perhaps you or a family member were active in hunting or shooting sports years ago. This is a common occurrence, so if this is you, you’re not alone.
Today we’ll view a few immaculately preserved color case hardened firearms from the late 1800s and early 1900s compared to the restorations we’ve completed on the same models.
We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our color case hardening is as authentic as it can be. We are proud of the work we do and the connection we have to the original master gunmakers of the turn of the century.
It's a theme that comes up time and time again when helping our customers understand the ins and outs of restoring their gun (or not, as the case may be): It's for the memories. One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is helping keep these memories...