[OpelBlitz]

I have an M1 Carbine that needs the metal to be refinished, badly. Does anyone know of any reputable folks that does a great job refinishing?

[navyretired 1]

Invest in AGI's CD and kit on parkerizing and you can do it yourself. Its so easy you won't beleave it. For $59.95 you get enough salutions, cleaner and oil to do 10 carbines.
The only real problem might be the total disassembly and bead blasting prior to parkerizing. Even if you buy a Harbor Frieght small blaster its probably still cheaper.
My first job come out beautiful (M-1 Garand Winchester). And I've done a bunch of pistols since then and the solution is still working.

[Oro]

Yep, Parkerizing is not hard to get good results. Which also means there are probably folks local to you who can do a good job, too, if you don't want to. This saves you the shipping fees and hassle.

Ask around at gun shops and gun shows, or on local firearms forums. We don't know where you are as you've hidden that info or we could maybe help with that route.

[OpelBlitz]

Apparently I forgot to change some of my details... Fixed that problem! Chicagoland.

I know the parkerizing itself isn't too hard, it's the bead blasting I'd be uncomfortable with right now (And I don't feel like buying equipment for it). I'd much rather pay someone with experience and time to take care of this for me.

[rondog]

Shuff's is reputed to be one of the best, fast and reasonable. I was going to use him, until I found a guy here in Denver that'll do it too. http://www.shuffsparkerizing.com/

[Ian Sean]

Around my area (Pennsylvania) a basic parkerizing job costs about $100-$150. Shouldn't be much more than that. Maybe a hair more if you want lettering filled in with paint.

When my friends and I were heavy into kit builds and old mil-surps, I set myself up for parkerizing. We built a stainless tank, and got everything we needed. Achieved a very nice finish with Brownells solution.

We would have parkerizing "parties" and kit building "parties", all kinds of fun.:)

If you can dye an Easter Egg, you can parkerize a rifle.

[kanook]

Ask around at some of your local auto repair shops and see who will let you use the bead blaster for a 12 pack.