The metal on the rifle was finished by draw filing and sanding using 220 sand paper. A coat of 44 - 40 cold blue was applied and then the part was submerged into 100% Clorox (cold/ambient temperature) for five minutes. The dip time varies from barrel brand to another, but it usually takes 3 to six minutes to work. I then pulled the barrel out of the Clorox and wash and dry it with a cloth. I follow up with sand paper to pull the scale off the metal. Sometimes, I just use a soft wire brush to remove the scale. Just depends upon how I feel that day. Next, I apply the cold blue on the parts that can be seen by the eye when assembled. I let the blue work until it feels dry. I then use steel wool/ fine sand paper to pull the color back to the shade of gray that I am looking for. I oil the part and let it set for 10 to 12 hours and wipe it with an oily rag for a couple days or so to make sure it doesn't flash rust. I don't boil the parts in a water Clorox solution. I can control the pitting better by using Clorox as it comes out of the jug.
Some folks ask for a slightly pitted part with a brown color. In this instance, I do the same process except I use cold brown after removing the scale. Once the metal has a good brown finish, I go back and use steel wool to lighten it up in areas that would normally be lighter in color because of handling.
Use a piece of scrap metal or piece of barrel to do a trial run to see if you like it or not.
Roger Sells
