Nice job there, Bill. You've got it looking the way YOU want, and at the end, that's important.
I've also used many different types of bluing, and each method has it's pluses and minuses - all depends on the builder's and the buyer's desires.
I use Oxpho Blue quite a long time. With care and repeating, it can be made to suit almost anyone.
Overall, Bill, you've made a rifle you can be proud of, and you've greatly improved many of your skills. The engraving in particular really improved your abilities at that task
Health is going south at a faster clip. I'll be 80 in a few months, and the combination of war and most of a lifetime in the wilds have combined, and are wreaking havoc. The VA continues to take excellent care of me; every staff member at Columbus, OH VA facility really care about the welfare of we Veterans.
When I was six, we were living in London, England. I had learned to read about age 4, and was looking at the newspaper while having breakfast with my Dad. Noticing the date on the paper, I quickly realized that I would be 55 at the turn of the century, and told my Dad, who agreed with me. Then I added, "But I'll be dead long before that." He asked why, and I just replied that I would be living and working in rough places.
Well, that last part was right - a lifetime of swamps, jungles, forests, weird animals, HAS been rough. Couple of open-heart surgeries, as well as other cutting, fixing, sewing up - didn't make it easier. But, here I am. For how much longer, who knows? But I'll continue to try to enjoy life as much as I can.
And your rotating vise is still sitting in the shop! One day soon, I hope.
