Possible color case/re-blue SA-22?

[gralewaj]

I have an abused, slightly rusted Browning SA-22. It is a Japan, mid 80s gun from what I can tell. The barrel was heavily rusted in several places due to a poor storage environment and some of the receiver finish has been removed from polishing and handling. I've neutralized the rust on the barrel, but there are several large pitted areas and the receiver could be refinished. I'm considering trying to sand and smooth the barrel rust myself, then send the gun, or pieces of it, out to have the barrel re-blued and the receiver colored to appear case hardened. Does anyone have suggestions for the work I'm considering? Also would consider just a full re-blue on the entire rifle. The case hardened look is just a wish, if it can be done... who knows?

 

[Frulk]

My first suggestion would be contacting Turnbull.

 

[jmorris]

If I ran across one with a bad finish, it would be real hard for me to not hard chrome it and use the heck out of it. The ones I have are too nice for me to really utilize (I’m not the guy with a pickup truck with a bed that has no scratches, tools are tools).

How is the wood?

 

[gralewaj]

Wood is fine as I recall. Hazing on the clear coat finish. No large blemishes that I remember. Rifle is not in my possession currently to get any pics or reevaluate. I bought it super cheap due to the rust, knew I might eventually make a restoration project out of it. My son loves it, so I thought maybe make it nice and a special gift. Not looking to put $2k into this little thing... just a refresh so it doesn't appear so janky with the splotchy barrel.

 

[Riomouse911]

I will echo the hard chrome as @jmorris suggested. It will help conceal the pits and is tougher than cerakote.

Stay safe.