doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Preserving case color on gun used at trap

I have no idea what you are trying to say here. Translation, please.

Having read Dr. Gaddy's DGJ article on case hardening, I agree with Stan that sunlight likely has no effect on the colors, but certainly, abrasion and acidic or salty perspiration does. I'd add oxidation to that list and anything that keeps oxygen away from the surface will probably help preserve colors. Also, I think certain processes may be more durable in color retention than others. I've noticed that a lot of Hunter Fulton and Hunter Specials, which I believe are cyanide colors, seem to retain a lot of color despite signs that the guns were well used. The same seems to apply to some charcoal colored guns. For some reason, even very nice condition L.C. Smith Ideal grades seldom have strong colors. Any thoughts on this?

Those who use wax to protect colors should remember that wax could entrap abrasive dust and dirt, and some so-called polishing waxes even contain very fine abrasive particles and should not be used.

Canvasback, you would fit in perfectly at our hunting camp where ball-busting has been raised to an art form. If you were here and told me exactly where it hurt... I'd punch you there my friend.

Case colored gun in the photo is a 1946 vintage Darne R10. I got it in the 1990s, and it had some of the protective lacquer over the colors that the factory applied back then (they didn't do that on guns built in the 1960s, but, I don't know for sure when the practice ended) still on it. I soaked the remains of the lacquer off in dip type carb solvent, and coated the gun with Brownell's Baking Lacquer, following the instructions on the can.
I've used the gun hard. The baking lacquer finish is all still there, and has protected the colors nicely. You need an airbrush to apply baking lacquer, but, it's worth it.

Best,
Ted

Late to the party but back from Vegas late last night. Very much appreciate Dr Bob and the Lefever fellas graciously allowing me to share their table, and fondle a couple of Optimui

Ithaca Flues with original lacquer courtesy of Josh Loewensteiner



Hunter Arms used lacquer, mixed with 1/3 lacquer thinner, applied with cotton balls



I don't think the results over time are very attractive