black matte/parkerized

[newtoarms]

I want to get a 18" barrel with rifle sights for my 870. The only 18's with rifle sights Im finding are parkerized. My 870 has the black matte or express finish. How well will the parkerized match up with black matte? I know appearance should take a back seat to function. but, it'd be nice if it wasnt a frankenstein shotgun.

thanks

 

[zhyla]

Hmmm. Isn't the matte finish a park finish? I have the Mossberg matte finish, my friend has the 870 express w/ matte finish, I'm not sure they're that different looking. I guess mine is slightly lighter.

 

[jakemccoy]

I think it'll look close and probably a match. They're both non-reflecting. I have a parkerized 18" barrel, and if I didn't know, I would guess it's plain matte. The thing is, however, you'll know there is a difference. So, your mind will probably tell you they look like a mismatch.

EDIT:

Get a used parkerized barrel that has the grittiness worn off due to regular oiling. That ought to give you a better match.

 

[newtoarms]

From what I understand, parkerized is a rougher more textured finish than matte, right? What about color matching?

 

[newtoarms]

I think it'll look close and probably a match. They're both non-reflecting. I have a parkerized 18" barrel, and if I didn't know, I would guess it's plain matte. The thing is, however, you'll know there is a difference. So, your mind will probably tell you they look like a mismatch.

EDIT:

Get a used parkerized barrel that has the grittiness worn off due to regular oiling. That ought to give you a better match.

Jake,

Just saw your edit after my last post. That would be fine if I could find one with rifle sights for a good price. They're $130-145 new. Where can I look for one other than GunBroker?

 

[Virginian]

Gen-u-ine parkerizing has a slight greenish gray appearance in my opinion, and is smoother than the current "matte" finishes I see, which are used to save money rather than provide increased corossion protection. Think M-1 and M-14.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Express guns are a bead blasted BLUE finish. If you can tell the difference in that and a parkerized barrel, you're looking too close. Just put it on there and shoot the thing. 'My' house gun is an Express with an old parkerized Police gun barrel and a 1-shot Wilson extension, also parkerized. It shoots just fine, and since it lives behind the door or in the safe, how it looks doesn't matter much. Muzzle flashes all look pretty much the same anyway, and that's all anyone but me or my wife is likely to ever see of that particular gun.

Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhgwHQCJwWw . Notice the barrel on that 870? If mismatched pieces don't bother Clint Smith, then who are you to worry about it- the 870 Fashion Queen?

lpl

 

[Gato Montés]

Form follows function brother. If I were you I'd be happy that park was my only option rather than that wretched bead blasted blue.

And I think mismatched 870's look awesome! Kinda got a utilitarian aspect to em. More character I suppose.

 

[chevyforlife21]

its close enough. at least its not a blued wingmaster barrel that would look plain stupid.