BROWNING A BARREL

[KILTED COWBOY]

Howdy, new to this forum. Going to cut my teeth on my first build with a Kibler Colonial.
Been going over the steps, bought 3 books and a video.
One question I have is when you are browning the barrel do you do it with the breech plug on or off.
If off do you brown separate, do you have to protect the threads from rusting so can be put back on.
Y'all seem real helpful. Looking forward to working on my first build.
I have all the modern rifles and pistols I want and now want to go back in time.

[rich pierce]

Breech plug “on”.

[KILTED COWBOY]

Thank you for the prompt response. Makes sense to keep it on.
I am sure I will have many more questions.
You know us Texans are a little slow

[rich pierce]

You know us Texans are a little slow

You’ve got more ground to cover!

[Huntschool]

I don't know about others, or perhaps you are asking this question way out in front time wise, but.....

Browning, aging, or coloring the barrel and other parts is the last thing I do.

Just sayin......

[Acer Saccharum]

I put some white lithium grease on the threads of the plug. be absolutely sure the grease is wiped away from the breech face and the plug faces. any trace grease or oil will prevent the brown from working with the steel.

A high finish on the barrel will make the brown solution to 'bead up', causing a spotty, uneven streaky, finish. Fix: use no higher than 320 paper, and reposition the paper to expose fresh grit, especially on your final passes. Some builders go right from draw filing to browning.

Be sure to degrease the barrel with acetone/alcohol/KleenWoode etc, before you try to brown. Do not touch with your oily little fingers. Cotton gloves, or hang barrel on a wire.

if you look at a brown finish, it's not glossy. It's satin, the acid having bitten the steel surface. Polishing up the barrel just to etch it back is wasted effort.

A damp box helps with the rusting process. A damp corner in your basement will work well.

[KILTED COWBOY]

Once again thanks for all the help. I know I have a long way to go before finishing stock and barrel.
I just like to go over everything before I start, guess OCD or anal. Or too much whiskey.

[Doc]

Where you located in Texas??  SE Texas here and you don't need a box!!  Plenty humid outside!!!

Doc

[KILTED COWBOY]

I am in Plano just north of Dallas. Wish I was doing the browning now. I has rained last 10 of 17 days.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I brown with the plug out as well as the sights.  The lugs are permanent.  Otherwise, I cannot avoid the junction line being less than perfect.  Witness mark the bottom flat, and don't overtighten in the first place.

[stubshaft]

Or too much whiskey.

NO ONE has too much Whisky!  Good luck on your browning project.