[AcceptableUserName]

can someone describe the process both for a blued gun vs. a parkerized gun? are the internals done as well? does the gun need to be blasted. baked? how does it all work?

[zhyla]

They're both chemical conversion processes, these should answer your questions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_%28steel%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkerizing

Neither of them build up much thickness so it's fine to apply internally (aside from the barrel). You don't have much choice of course as parts are dipped in a chemical solution.

[Fryerpower]

Why not just Line-X it? :D

http://www.line-x.com/advantage-3.htm

-Jim

[moosehunt]

Because it's ugly? Nearly as ugly as Parkerizing! If you want your gun to look nice, get a quality polish, then a quality bluing. It is then well protected and sharp looking.