doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Barrel Blacking & Browning

It suddenly dawned on me with the passing of Doug ( PA24) that we have to my knowledge ever published a step by step guide to barrel blacking or browning. Yes I know we have had lots of associated threads such as those from Oscar but that is now years ago.
How about a thread possibly in the Gunsmithing section of how to black barrels , step by step ?

Great idea. I have a set of Damascus barrels to do.

Surprised that this seems to be of no interest to people on this forum?

I'd greatly appreciate such a topic.

I'd like to see the process from soup to nuts for sure and then archive for all to see.

I would very much like to have the process to refer to here.

SRH

It would be great to see if the old videos of Ballistix999's (Tony Treadwell) browning process and of his carport case hardening of actions and other bits still existed. They were instructional, entertaining, and bristling with enthusiasm. I am afraid those are lost in cyberspace as are the many photos he posted here. Gil

I am certainly interested to learn about it.

Likewise!
Jim

Guys,

This is a tough one. So much of the process is subjective, determined by the standards of whomever performs the process. Doug's work on fluid steel barrels was so excellent because his barrel prep standards were so high. I learned from him that 400 grit sanding was the minimum for Field Grade sets, going much finer for higher grade guns.

The basic process is easily found in Angier's book, which is a must for anyone intending to attempt it. In addition, both Gaddy's and Flanagan's processes for pattern-welded barrels are found on DocDrew's site. That's to get you started.

I can tell you that I must have done over 20 sets before I attained a result I thought was remotely acceptable, but even now I have reworked sets several times, literally being in my 12th generation of methodology and to the point that I'm not merely satisfied, but happy with my work.

I think that the whole topic should be broken down into several DIY threads, in order to answer specific topic questions, as the general topic is waaay too diverse. Here's how I break it down.

Barrel Prep
Solutions, Rusting, and Carding
Etching and Polishing
Fault Correction and use of Abrasives
Finishing and Polishing

It's tough to understand the intricacies of the process until you actually do it, make mistakes, and then come up with solutions. I'll certainly try to help answer any questions, and there is no better feeling than to produce a superior result you can be proud of.

It really helps if you're an anal perfectionist.

Regards
Ken