Brownells Full Bluing Tank, 40'' L X 6'' H X 6'' W, Stainless Steel

The Brownells Full Bluing Tank is a stainless steel solution tank built for gunsmiths and serious hobbyists who need reliable equipment for the finishing and maintenance stages of firearm work. At 40 inches long by 6 inches high and 6 inches wide, it provides the capacity and dimensions to handle cleaning solutions, boiling water, rinse tanks, and oil baths without the corrosion issues that come with inferior materials. If you're setting up a home gunsmithing shop or upgrading a small professional operation, this tank lets you keep your workflow organized and your parts protected—just not for one critical application.

The stainless steel construction is the key advantage here. It resists rust and corrosion from prolonged contact with aqueous solutions, oil, and heat cycling that would degrade mild steel or iron tanks over time. That durability translates to years of reliable service and easier cleanup between jobs. The generous 40-inch length accommodates longer gun parts and multiple components simultaneously, and the proportions allow you to set it up inline with other tanks in a sequential cleaning or finishing workflow.

One important caveat: do not use this tank for bluing salts. The interaction between bluing salt chemistry and stainless steel can trigger galvanic corrosion—a small electric current between the two dissimilar metals that deposits random streaks, iridescence, or silver specks on your work. It's a costly mistake on a finished firearm. Reserve this tank for everything else: water-based solvents, hot and cold rinses, degreasing baths, and oil storage. For actual bluing salt work, Brownells makes dedicated black iron bluing tanks designed to prevent that galvanic reaction entirely.

Whether you're building a gunsmithing bench from scratch or replacing worn-out tanks, the Brownells Full Bluing Tank is a workhorse piece of equipment that handles the supporting chemistry without the mess or corrosion of improvised containers.

Key Features

• Stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion in wet, oily, and heated environments
• 40-inch length accommodates longer gun parts and batch processing
• Ideal for cleaning solutions, rinse tanks, boiling water, and oil baths
• Durable material eliminates frequent replacement and downtime
• Professional-grade capacity suitable for home or shop gunsmithing

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this tank for bluing salts?

No. Do not use this stainless steel tank for bluing salts. The chemical reaction between bluing salt and stainless steel creates galvanic corrosion that produces random streaking, iridescence, or silver specks on gun parts. For bluing salt work, use Brownells' dedicated black iron bluing tanks instead.

What solutions and baths is this tank designed for?

The Brownells Full Bluing Tank works well for cleaning solutions, boiling water, cold and hot rinse tanks, degreasing baths, and oil storage. The stainless steel material withstands prolonged contact with these liquids and heat without rust or corrosion.

Is this tank suitable for a home gunsmithing setup?

Yes. The 40-inch length and stainless steel durability make it a practical choice for home gunsmiths and hobbyists building a small workflow or bench. Its size allows you to process multiple parts or longer components, and the corrosion-resistant material ensures it will last through many jobs.

How does stainless steel compare to other tank materials for gun work?

Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion far better than mild steel or iron tanks, reducing maintenance and replacement frequency. However, it is not suitable for bluing salt chemistry due to galvanic reaction. For most other finishing and cleaning applications, stainless steel is the superior choice.