Grey finish

[hortonstn]

Will the grey finish achieved with bc blue rubbed back last in normal use I like the look but don't want to have to redo after rifle is finished
Thanks

[alex e.]

Probably not,
With use,all metal finishes are temporary. I've worn browned and blued  barrels down to bare metal.
Locks are no different.   Sorry if it's not what you want to hear

[hortonstn]

Thanks I may just polish it problem is the sun sure makes it hard to shoot
I guess I could just shoot on cloudy days here in Missouri that happens a lot!,

[Mauser06]

Finish it as you like.....then let nature take its course.

[B.Barker]

If you want a good durable grey finish use cold brown and card it before each new application. Once you get a nice even color on the last coat don't card. Drop the parts into water that is 180 degrees or a bit hotter until they turn black. Pull the parts out and rub them back to a grey color. You may need to quite aggressive to get it back to the color you want. I use green 3M pads soaked in WD40 to rub the parts back. This finish will hold up quite well and will not rub off.

[Eric Krewson]

Cold blue rubbed back looks great at first but will wear off quickly with use.

[Bob McBride]

I’m not sure what Brooks uses to grey his barrels but it holds up very well.

[Pete G.]

Try phosphoric acid, sold as rust remover.

[Mike Brooks]

I’m not sure what Brooks uses to grey his barrels but it holds up very well.

Very long and complicated process. Not for the faint of heart.

[smokepole45cal]

Or naval jelly... my only concern is how to safely dispose of the stuff

[Craig Wilcox]

Smokepole, Naval Jelly is mostly phosphoric acid, if I recall correctly.  Washing the part with a lot of water will dilute it satisfactorily so that it doesn't hurt your drain system.

[hortonstn]

Please describe the navel jelly process
Thanks