Finished a southern mountain rifle

[sevenhl]

Sevenhi, I degreased with acetone, then wiped on the blue with a patch. Once I had an even coat, rinsed with water and wiped it down with some gun oil, which darkens it some.  Then use a gray Scotchbrite or oooo steel wool, maroon works but it's more aggressive, and remove bluing until you like it.  If you leave some around non-wear areas it looks nice. If you take too much, just degrease and add more. As you handle it the bluing will wear, it isn't real robust.   

This is the first Late Ketland I've used - it is FAST!

Thank You very much that will help me with finishing my SMR

[Wingshot]

Beautifully executed! Graceful and slim, you can try taking a black sharpie on the post of the sight, it’ll help define it against a target, at least it helps me considerably. In the woods the shadows and light fluctuating can be tricky. Old eyes are hard to accommodate, that’s for sure.

[Daryl]

A dry-erase "sharpie" is very much better for dulling front sights than the permanent sharpie markers. The Dry-erase versions wipe off very easily, are jet black and non-shiny, like the
normal sharpies tend to be.
I used to use a standard sharpie/magic markers etc, and switched to the very much superior dry-erase type. The flat-black result is very much appreciated by those who use them.
Just trying to help.

[coopersdad]

Daryl, I appreciate all the help I can get! I've been using black dry erase on my silver and brass sights, and my muzzles get the abrasive paper/thumb treatment for easy loading of my tight patch/ball combos - all have improved my shooting, so thanks!

[HighUintas]

Fantastic work. I don't know much about stylistic accuracy for southern guns, but I think I've got a bit of an eye for aesthetics and it sure is a beauty. I love it.

[Daryl]

Daryl, I appreciate all the help I can get! I've been using black dry erase on my silver and brass sights, and my muzzles get the abrasive paper/thumb treatment for easy loading of my tight patch/ball combos - all have improved my shooting, so thanks!

You are most welcome, Mike. Glad to help - is why I'm here for the most part.
I pick up hints and techniques as well. I'm merely stating what has worked for me, many of the 'tricks' like the muzzle treatment
have been working for me in a VERY positive way since the mid 1970's.