Isaac Berlin Smooth Rifle

[mountainman]

That's a great rifle!

[B.Barker]

That's a very nice version of the Berlin rifle. Nice crisp carving gotta love that.

[CooleyS]

I really like the color, if you care to share, what are you using for ferric nitrate? I understand that each piece of maple accepts the reaction differently, but I seem to get more red that I like with my ferric nitrate. Great build and thank you for sharing.
Steve

[J. Talbert]

Wow!
Just saw this for the first time today.
Can’t add much except to echo what’s already been said.

Outstanding!
Jeff

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

It is always a pleasure to see superlative work, and this rifle is no exception.  Congratulations on a very fine rifle.

[guido]

VERY FINE WORK TOM!!

[TommyG]

Thanks guys. 

Steve - for the finish, I use 1 part Ferric Nitrate crystals mixed with 5 parts denatured alcohol.  2 applications, heat blush between. 
Next I wash the stock with a lye water mix and let dry.  The stock will be a deep rust red color.  From there it was rubbed back with 4/0 steel wool to achieve the desired color and blondish hues, don't be shy here, I really put some elbow grease into this one to get what I was looking for.  Top coats were - first 4 coats with Waterlox, scuff w. 4/0 steel wool, then 4 thin coats of Chambers oil.  As you said, each piece of wood is different. I did about 7-8 test pieces trying different combos, DA water mix, amonia wash instead of lye, waterlox only, Chambers oil only, etc, etc - it's like working up a load for your gun.  Ultimately I was happy with this color.
 
John Guido - I missed you at the fair this year.  Hopefully we'll catch up next year.  Keep us posted with your builds. 

[Stoner creek]

I'm going to do my best to make it to the Fair next year.  It would be a great opportunity to meet fine gunmakers like you!