Here's a quick method to clean up the barrels, as they look like twist. If they're fluid steel disregard. This method brings out the contrast of a pattern welded barrel, not restoration by any means, but a quick and dirty clean up suitable for wall hangers. It will have little effect in areas where the bluing has worn off, such as above the fore end where the hand usually gripped it.
First, go over the barrels with a rag soaked in Lacquer Thinner. This is to remove the old varnish. Then, go over them LIGHTLY with 0000 steel wool and bore cleaner. This is meant to remove surface rust and old remaining finish. Do NOT rub hard enough to "silver" the metal. Next, degrease with acetone and let dry. Now comes a mild etch. on a hidden area under the fore arm, rub a small area with white vinegar (or a mild boric acid solution) and a clean soft rag to see if the barrel contrast comes out. This only takes around 30 seconds or so. Have a rag soaked in a baking soda solution ready to wipe on to stop the etch. If the bluing is still present, the pattern will come out, if not, stop at this step. If successful, etch the whole barrels, quickly, using a well soaked vinegar rag. It's important to apply the vinegar quickly over the whole barrel, so the etch is even. Rub the whole barrels for around 30 seconds or so, then switch to the baking soda rag. Clean the barrels with water and dry with a heat gun/hair dryer. Repeat the etch process if desired, but one is usually all is needed. When finished, you can either oil the barrels, relacquer with neutral base Watco Danish Oil, or paste wax them. (six coats of NuFinish wax is what I use if the gun will be outside in the sun) This is a basic "clean up" for pattern welded barrels that works well for me, I just did it to a Baker Batavia Leader this weekend, it really brought out the barrel pattern.
Ken
