Browning a barrel.

[rusticbob]

Just picked up a T/C Hawken kit gun that was never finished. Barrel and tang are bare steel. Is there any info available here, or suggestions? Wood is also unfinished. Looks like I just found a winter project.

[russell shaffer]

I used Birchwood Casey plum brown on a TC kit in the 70's and it still is looking good.  Follow the directions exactly.

[hotfxr]

I concur with Russel, plum brown is the easiest and fastest way to brown a barrel. Plus it penetrates into the steel which cold blue does not do.      However, if yo want a dark long lasting finish, as soon as the browning is done, before you oil it, apply some cold blue. It makes a fantastic dark finish.

[bmtshooter]

Browning + cold blue .........hummm?  Sounds interesting.  Got pictures?  I have  only used the plum brown, and it works well.

[hotfxr]

Browning + cold blue .........hummm?  Sounds interesting.  Got pictures?  I have  only used the plum brown, and it works well.

Look at the picture of my pistols in the "Out of control" post. The flintlock pistols were all done that way.

[bmtshooter]

I see.  Very nice.

[Hanshi]

It really works great, as I discovered.

[beowulf]

been using that combination for barrel finish , the last 25 years !