doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DIY Gunsmithing @ doublegunshop.com Areas to be polished bright after barrel coloring

This subject has been talked about on several threads, I think a dedicated thread that can be used as a guide is necessary. All opinions are welcome.

Here's the initial list, for review, comment, and correction.

Muzzle end of tubes, including muzzle and keel edges.

Mating surface of forend hanger, where the spring edge contacts the hanger.

Mating surface on front of the lump, where the hinge pin contact is.

Sides of the lumps.

Barrel flats on fluid steel barrels. Pattern welded sets are left colored.

Breech edges of tubes.

On an earlier thread there was a brief discussion on creating the silver spiral lines instead. What was this called? If this is done, the rest of the breech end is left colored. Someone have a pic? Mr. Dudley, perhaps you could post a picture?

All comments are welcome.

Regards
Ken

I think your list is complete. To me half that list s just cosmetic and half bids wear like to the hanger or lump. I've seen them left colored and not worried about it.

Any opinions on marks found on fluid steel barrel flats? After polishing, should they be highlighted using India ink? Similar to highlighting other engraving?

Regards
Ken

I think if the flat is colored, then polished bright, the stampings would still have the color that was applied. I'd also wonder if it's a tiny bit better not to do too many repetitive etches and abrasive polishes on bearing points. I would doubt it's worth the trouble, but I wonder if any block out has been used that doesn't affect any part of the coloring chemistry.

I think it depends on the manufacturer as to what is correct or not.

Good point. How about some guidance as to what was correct for the various manufacturers?

Or, are you just teasing?

Regards
Ken

As the makers did originally .Then again it is up to the individual . Polishing barrel flats is a matter of choice in MHO and guns that have had several sets of proof marks often look better with them blacked .W&S only polished flats on the 701 as were the action flats and face .Flats are often polished for the fact that the blacking is no so good around the lumps or that someone has slipped and marked them when cleaning off. Happens to us all thinking of the hundreds I have done .

Personal preference does not come into play much if a proper restoration is being done.

An unfired W&S 700 c.1966