AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Kaintuckkee on May 27, 2011, 01:43:21 PM

Title: Barrel Finishing Methods
Post by: Kaintuckkee on May 27, 2011, 01:43:21 PM

Whats a good method to finish a barrel to give it a original or antique look? I have seen several here that looked nice I am just not sure what to use I have Laurel Mountain browning and various cold blues,your input appreciated,photos would be a plus also

Title: Re: Barrel Finishing Methods
Post by: Fred_Dwyer on May 27, 2011, 03:12:24 PM

I'd forget the cold blues, they're about as lasting as this mornings' dew.
The browning is good, but I'm starting to take a liking to a bleached barrel for the truly "weathered" look. Thought there was a pictorial how-to but I'm not finding it. Not the pix I was looking for but sufficient...
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi15.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa387%2Fgeorgef1949%2Fbrian_chris_rifle_small%2Fgf4.jpg&hash=f098bb16e6761a61d0956c6fd0d1c09847274593)

Title: Re: Barrel Finishing Methods
Post by: Daryl on May 27, 2011, 07:04:44 PM

Over a period of time, the bright steel will take on the proper patina- as-did the originals.  Use it, don't look for a quick and easy 'fix'. It's amazing how quickly the vent area takes on it's 'proper' appearnace. The rest of the barrel and lock plate will follow suit.

Title: Re: Barrel Finishing Methods
Post by: Kaintuckkee on May 30, 2011, 11:25:53 PM

Thats sounds interesting Daryl.....easy to.....I may just go that route....what time frame are we talking here,any idea?

Title: Re: Barrel Finishing Methods
Post by: Daryl on May 31, 2011, 03:56:00 AM

Years of use to make big changes, but changes seem to occur within a week or two, ie: shooting every now and then.  Just sitting with oil will not change anything.

I think the problem with most caustics, is it looks like it's been hit with something like that - clorox, etc. I prefer the gradual changes - which nature does.

Title: Re: Barrel Finishing Methods
Post by: axelp on May 31, 2011, 04:13:49 AM

I have a fowler barrel that was finished just "white" and it was less than two seasons of moderate use, and it had a very nice mild patina that is getting better every season....

If it were me, I'd just let it age naturally.

K

Title: Re: Barrel Finishing Methods
Post by: Daryl on May 31, 2011, 04:25:43 PM

Same with Tayor's Virginia. If he'd use it more this winter, instead of that little .40 Kuntz, it would look even better.