[ScottsGT]

OK, I just ordered a Norinco Stagecoach gun. Looking for ideas to make it look old. Please, none of the "drag it behind your car" ideas, unless it turns out to be a real dog!! Short of stripping off all the bluing and trying something else (what?) what can be done to "antique" the finish?

[C.R.Sam]

Interesting concept.
My thinking has been the other way around.
Take pride in how some of my antiques look close to like they did when new.
Suggest shootin it a bunch before tryin to make it look old.

Might just want to sell it after a while.

If refinished, be lucky to get $100.00 for it.

Sam

[Jim K]

It is hard to make a new gun look like an old one and have it look right. Wear patterns have to be known and duplicated. For example, carry the gun for a while and see where your hands fall. Those are areas that would soon wear bare of bluing. Note where your hands fall when shooting it; those are areas where the checkering would be flattened and the finish removed. These are just a few ideas, but I really agree with CR Sam. Just use it and it will take on wear naturally. If you still want to "antique" it, you will have a better idea where and how.

Jim

[CWL]

I wouldn't do it, but if you want to try, here's one method for antiqueing metalwork. You can do this over bluing.

Work over the metal with fine steel wool to burnish the metal. Do this carefully and sparingly, you want to create age and wearing characteristics, not remove metal.

Now paint the metal with a very thinned-down wash of black ink. India ink is permanent as opposed to using water-soluble inks. You should wipe this on with a clean rag rather than a brush. This black wash will fill in the brushed areas as well as edges and corners of the metal and stock to appear like years of wear.

[Johnny Guest]

- - I was visiting with a friend at the Company B Texas Ranger office in Garland. I mentioned the pair of old 1851 Colt Navy revolvers in the display case with a dozen or so other handguns. Turned out most of the arms belonged to this one man. I asked if the Navies were his (yes) and how long he'd had them. I knew George did a lot of shooting but didn't think he was really into antiques.

He laughed and was kinda tickled he'd "fooled" me. He opened the case and showed me that the Navies were both Italian replicas. I mean, it looked like they'd been carried for decades and used HARD. He explained he just wanted some display pieces, so he'd taken a length of chain and worked both revolvers over pretty harshly. Dropped them on a gravel driveway and kicked them around a little. Then he threw them up on top of his shed for a month. He took 'em down a time or two, cleaned off the surface rust, oiled the mechanicl parts, and left them out for another month or so.

The resulting pair of pistols were in good working condition but had little exterior finish. The stocks were all scarred up and the metal was badly scratched, nicked and banged. The manufacturer's and importer's markings and proof marks in place - - these were not counterfeits at all, but they were GREAT display pieces. From just a couple of feet away, I thought I was seeing relics from the War of Northern Aggression.:p

I'd go a little easier than this on your shotgun - - It is easier to dent a shotgun barrel too deeply. I'd run some fine emery paper up and down the sides of the barrrels to remove bluing there, as if from years of in and out of a case or leather scabbard. Maybe a LIGHT chain treatment on the metal parts and a bit heavier on the wood. Remove all the varnish from the wood and just put on some linseed oil. Degrease the exterior (only) of the metal, dampen it, and allow to rust for a couple of days. Wipe off the red rust, to prevent deep pitting, and repeat until the desired patina is reached. Then rub this with a coarse cloth, like heavy muslin, along the high points to indicate regular wear and moderate neglect but not abuse.

I hope you tke "before" and "After" photographs and post them for our admiration.:D

Best,
Johnny

[Glockster35]

Check the Brownells site for something on this, but I remember reading something on there about coffee grounds being used to make new parts look old.

Might work for you.

[ScottsGT]

Well, I just returned from my FFL picking up my new shotgun. All I can say is for $150, it is one hell of a deal. Nice and tight fit, no flexing, nice walnut stock. My only gripe is the bright shiney blue finish. These old coach guns should be brown. The 'smith told me how to do it. Strip off the blue, and dunk it in fresh cow dung. He claims that is how Springfield did it in the early 1900's. I'll stick to my blue for now!

[IAJack]

go over to the SASS shooters board and do a search for antique or finishes, there are some ideas how to duplicate the finishes like seen on the new Cimmaron "antique" finished guns -go to their site to check them out.