Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Matte vs Gloss Bluing?

Good day.

Is there any difference in the durability of the two? Is one easier to maintain than the other?

Thanks

Pieter

Gloss won't rust as easily because a matte finish is actually bead blasted and blued. The bead blasting creates small "dents" which can capture moisture.

All that being said, 99% of the blued rifles I own have a matte finish.

Rifles are for using. Get what you want and don't sweat the small stuff.

Thanks Karnis.

I really like the classic gloss bluing. I do understand that the matte will reflect less light when walking and stalking, but as much as I like hunting, I like my rifles

I do own both as well but I was not sure if one might be better for maintenance than the other. It did seem as if one of my matte rifles picked up rust more easily, but I guess not all bluing will react the same.

Pieter

it has been said that matt finishes hold oil better but all blued finishes will rust if not taken care of by wiping down with an oiling brush or rag. Mel

There still some of us that still like Blue and wood. Some how matte and black does not do for everybody.:-)

Will post some pictures when the rifle is done

Pieter

I don't particularly like gloss, as I HAVE to wipe down the fingerprints every darn time. Matte, you don't. On the other hand, because I wipe down the shiny stuff, it seems to stay pretty longer while some of my matte guns have caused pangs of rust guilt.
Or a new barrel in stainless.....

The Remington matte finish is simply the worst rusting finish there is...

I have to say I agree. I have literally had a Remington matte finish form rust on the car ride home from the range-just due to humidity. I'm pretty sure they would rust before your eyes if you actually let a rain drop land on them.
They are the Chia Pets of the rifle finish world.

Applying Gun Shield protects either gloss or matte blue from rusting for a very long time--a lot longer than any sort of wax or oil.

Out of the seven 1100 and 11-87's (matte finish) the local 4-H Shooting Sports has one insists on rusting. It's a fine plum brown rust that would look nice on a muzzle loader. No idea why, they are all treated identically and wiped with RIG after handling. A rub down with steel wool and Oxpho Blue a couple years ago darkened it to match the others but it's showing brown again.

Don't take away our misery, John. Pity party pooper.
Chia pet....good one, JSH.