Bluing, browning- which for a barrel?

[Kookla]

Today I ordered a Lyman Great Plains Rifle Flintlock kit in .54 that my dad and I are going to build together. He's doing research in finishing the stock (he enjoys woodcraft) and I'm looking into finishing the barrel. At first I was thinking cold blue, but started to wonder if there were better options. We'd be doing this in a garage if that helps.

Thanks.

 

[Thompsongunner]

I would look into browning the barrel, I would think that would be more period correct.

 

[Patocazador]

Browning is the first step in hot water bluing. I prefer the looks of a blue barrel better than a browned one but that's a personal preference. For a hot blued barrel, you'll need a piece of rain gutter or a PVC pipe long enough to put the barrel in with near-boiling water.

 

[frontiergander]

cold blue is like spitting on a fire. It doesnt last for long.

LMF browning solution is awesome stuff.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Hot salts blue looks much better IMHO. Go that route.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Browning is probably more "period correct" although a Plains Rifle in flint is probably questionable for "period correctness", but I prefer leaving the barrel in the "white" or unfinished on my kits. A regular application of CLP or gun oil will keep it bright.

 

[Stony]

Everyone sure seems to have their own personal preferences. I would think something like a Hawken looks a lot better browned, and it's sure an easier finish to maintain. I've browned a bunch of them over the years and it's a pretty simple procedure....I just love a plum browned finish on mine.
A blued finish really doesn't give you much protection from the elements and using a muzzleloader you are going to expose it to water and potential corrosion just due to the black powder and cleaning of it.
In the end, I think you would enjoy a browned finish more and it will serve you better if you plan on actually using your rifle. If you just want something shiny and pretty....go with the blue.

 

[4eyes]

Not an expert but watched a video on youtube last week by a fellow who browned a barrel and then put a cold blue on it. Looked fine and he claimed was quite durable..

 

[Noz]

I prefer brown.

 

[col.lemat]

Brown is a better finish. Usually takes an application of five coats sometimes seven to get a darker look. Like a sun tan.

 

[midland man]

I used the cold blue paste but mine was okay buy is there a better way to get it more darker?? I built a Kentucky pistol last year and the blue is wearing off so any suggestions??

 

[Jim K]

Hot salt blue is very durable but pretty dangerous without a proper setup and not a good choice for an individual. Rust blue would be about as good, look more period correct, and fairly easy in a home environment, though a tank capable of holding the barrel and boiling water is needed.

The difference between browning and rust blue is mainly the chemicals used and the way they are applied; what works for one will work for the other.

Jim

 

[frontiergander]

Remember that with the LMF browning solution, you can make a plastic tube and place your barrel inside and add boiling water and drain it/repeat and it turns it black.

I've used the perma blue stuff from birchwood casey after ive brownd a barrel and it really makes the barrel pop out, kind of like a blued barrel when it starts to age 30+ years and goes back to the browning stage.

 

[1KPerDay]

I like brown, particularly the non-period-correct birchwood casey Plum Brown method.

 

[david58]

Cold brown has worked well for me, plum brown gets to be a pain if the barrel is too long to fit well in the oven.
Hot blue is a correct technique for the period, the English had it down pat. But it isn't really for the typical home-blue-er.

I would probably do the cold brown, worked well with just a few coats in Oregon. Now, here in NM, I have no idea how it would work with the nonexistent humidity.

David

 

[dagger dog]

Laurel Mountain Forge makes a browning solution that's very easy to use no special cleaning you can use it over oil or fingerprints with no ill affect.

 

[Kookla]

Thanks everyone, I ended up going with the LMF browning. Ordered some extra english flints while I was at it. UPS should be delivering the box on Monday.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Another vote for browning.

 

[midland man]

I didn't see any flints on that web site so is that where you ordered them from?

 

[Kookla]

I didn't see any flints on that web site so is that where you ordered them from?

I ordered the flints and LMF from Track of the Wolf.

 

[midland man]

oh okay thanks I went to Lmf but didn't see flints there but okay I gotta order flints from tow as they have decent prices compared to gander mtn, I paid $9.99 a pkg for two flints not knowing I could order them much cheaper so won't do that again!

 

[Patocazador]

oh okay thanks I went to Lmf but didn't see flints there but okay I gotta order flints from tow as they have decent prices compared to gander mtn, I paid $9.99 a pkg for two flints not knowing I could order them much cheaper so won't do that again!

I just ordered a dozen from TOW. I think they were $19.99.

 

[CraigC]

I like a brown finish and would always opt for that, given a choice.