Gunsmith recomendation for re-bluing in Spokane area?

[andersonjk4]

I'm refinishing my Dad's Sako Finnbear .30-06 for him.  He bought this rifle 30+ years ago and has used it to hunt deer and elk every year since.  It is in pretty good shape for how much it has been used, but the bluing is getting really thin and is totally gone in several places.  I thought about trying to re-do it myself with a home kit (like Oxpho Blue) but I think for the barrel and action I want to have a gunsmith do it so it looks nice and is more durable.  Does anyone have any expeirence with any smiths in the Spokane area doing any bluing work for them?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

[724wd]

I've used Mel Doyle in Idaho.  He did a great job and was quick.  I don't know of anyone in spokane that's doing their own bluing.  Maybe Roger Biesen, but i don't remember seeing a bluing tank or anything at his shop.

[YellowDog]

My dad has used Mel Doyle many times in the past but now he has set himself up for parkerizing and slow bluing in his garage and does his own stuff (he did all the club M-1s, and a few other projects for friends, etc.). 

[high country]

you can rust blue it yourself, which is very appropriate on a classic, or mel or sam can dip it for you cheaper than anyone around. I do a lot of rifle work and mel does all the bluing for every shop around here. the PITA involved keeps me from doing it in house. besides, go look at the mulie in his shop!

[andersonjk4]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the info.  I did a quick search online and found two different Doyle gun shops in Idaho.  One in Plummer and one in St. Maries.  Which one is Mel Doyle's, or are they both his shops? 

[high country]

(208)686-1006 sam or mel they are a few miles east of plummer

[280win]

Arden gun just out side of colville WA does good work
phone # 509-680-8956


280

[gadwall]

I think your getting a good notion here JK4.  I vote for Mel Doyle too!

[idahewes]

Another vote for Mel, he's done a great job for me