[crazy-mp]

Hello I recently bought a M1 Garand that has seen better days. The stock is solid but the barrel and the receiver are pretty rough. What do I need to ask a gunsmith before they re-parkerize this gun for me? How much should something like this cost?

FYI - International Harvester with arsenal re-barrel

[krs]

Ask him how much?

Here's a site that'l answer a lot of your questions about the original type of parerizing that was used, your choices, and pricing.
http://www.parabelluminc.com/parkerizing.htm

Just about anyone can parkerize including you and me as there are kitchen table type methods available.

The real deal is a little more involved than the home kits are, and probably more durable too but someone is sure to come in and take me to task for having said that.

If you want to have it done right an experienced pro is gonna' be worth the money, and it isn't all that much money anyway.

I might have been a little hasty with posting the site I did. Nothing against the place but there's not as much info as I remembered there was in there. So read assorted sections of this one:http://www.shootiniron.com/#. as Mac seems to love to talk as much as work :), and I think he's a member in this forum too.

[rcmodel]

I'd ask him if he plugs the bore & chamber, or Parkerizes them too!

rc

[crazy-mp]

I didn’t know if you had to bake the finish on the at home kits too or not. From what I have been told you are better off having a oven like a body shop or a oven in your garage because the smell is pretty bad. I would try it myself, but I want it to look good and I don’t trust myself doing something like this on a M1 Garand for the first time, but I do have some cheap pistols I may try it on for practice.

Thanks for the info!!!

[krs]

Here's an interesting article by Scott Duff on the original color of parkerized Garand rifles. Scott Duff is a well known historian, collector, and author in the area of U.S. martial arms. His expertise is beyond question.

http://www.hotflashrefinishing.com/Parkerizing.htm

[crazy-mp]

Mine has almost the gloss black finish on it right now. I guess I know why, it was cleaned.

Thanks for the info!!

[Riss]

The gloss could just be oil held in by the finish. If it is parkerized spray it with some degreaser and remove the oil. And if it looks that way because it lacks oil then either rub it down with some Cosmoline or oil it.