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Guys I posted a pic of my MG34 in the pic forum, the finnish on the feedtray and barrel jacket is just about gone and I was wanting to know if I should get it reblued or not? I do shoot it some and I would like to keep it from getting any rust. Even though I clean it well after shooting it still does worry me a bit. Any imput appreciated, thanks.

If it's C&R and all matching, or nearly so, you may want to preserve the collector value and leave it be, making sure you clean it properly after use to stop any chance of rust from developing. If its a reweld or transferable, then go ahead and reblue the parts to best preserve them, since you will not impact any collector value. If in any case the lack of blueing threatens to allow corrosion, you are best reblueing it in the interests of preservation. There is debate as to reblue or not, since the value of a C&R gun will increase beyond the reduction in value afforded by reblueing it. Guns with original finishes are rare.

Or do the really smart thing and buy a spare parts kit to go shooting with, reblue the spares to protect them, and keep your originals in their matching original condition, maybe with something on it to seal out moisture and prevent them from rusting while in storage? Best of both worlds, and the parts kit would give you spares for shooting without messing up your original matching parts.

Blueing does not prevent rust, in fact I know that cold blue specifically causes rusting to develop faster. Two things you should do to protect your gun is keep it clean + oiled and keep it stored in a (gun safe) with a mini-dehumidifier inside and/ or some bags of silica gel. If you keep it stored like that then you will (probably) never have to worry about rust.

Demontrooper wrote: keep it stored in a (gun safe) with a mini-humidifier inside and/ or some bags of silica gel.

Umm, I think I'd go for option "B" there. Maybe even try a DE-humidifier! (A wee bit 'o difference there, laddie!)

perhaps just remove the oxygen from the room. Now that would be an exciting option. Replace it with....... Argon. great for welding.

Re blueing it will not add value. Restored guns, SA Colts for example, are not worth as much as originals. Leave it alone. Blueing is a form of rust (oxidation). If you really don't like the looks get it done. It will be fun though with all the nooks and crannies holding oil dirt et al.

remember though. It is YOUR gun do as you wish. They look sharp all nice and shiney, however I like the look of a battleworn gun too.

And above all DO NOT put a mini-humidifier in the safe with it.

If you're worried about only a few parts rusting, try anti-spatter spray for welding. Easily applied (spray can) and lasts.