Help! - Finishing an AR15 barrel - "in the white"

[DonP]

I recently picked up one of the Sportsman's Guide M16A1 parts kits that came with a new barrel in the white.

The parts are all like new and the triangular handguards, stock and upper don't look like they've even been used for drill or training. My guess is long term storage.

The new barrel is in the white. The gas hole is drilled and all the threads cut for the flash hider etc. (original A1 full birdcage) but it's unfinished.

Any sugestions or places to check out on finishing a barrel?

I've done muzzleloaders with Casey's cold blue and been happy with the results, but this is different.

I'm not looking for a show gun, but I would like to find a way to come up with a decent matte black/dark grey color to make it look like the ones we trained with and carried way back when at Fort Campbell and Phu Loi.

 

[Maverick223]

I would have it parkerized, as it was intended; as you might imagine, I have no idea where to have this done in Chicago.

 

[highorder]

You can (and should) have it parkerized, or you can use one of the spray and bake finishes.

Someone will be along shortly to expand, I'm sure.

 

[jerkface11]

Wheel paint is just as durable as the spray and bake stuff. Not as many colors available though. I get the feeling black or gray would work for you.

 

[Onmilo]

Send it off to be parkarized, black oxide, finish.

Don't try doing it at home, the fumes are very toxic and the results are usually less than satisfactory.

Spray paint does not belong on a firearm unless you are hunting insurgents in some godforsaken part of planet earth.

 

[Maverick223]

Spray paint does not belong on a firearm unless you are hunting insurgents in some godforsaken part of planet earth.

Agreed, with the possible exception of AKs and other utilitarian rifles.

 

[Onmilo]

Man, I don't even like paint on AKs and G3s either.
These guns look so much better when refinished in a quality parkarized finish.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Parkerize it..... Black Oxide ? Fe304 ? if you like, or hot dip...either one is good.

Next state west...go west young man...!

Craftguard Metal Finishing Services....(319) 232-2959 Waterloo, Iowa

http://www.craftguard.com/index.html

We have used these folks for years and have NEVER been disappointed !

......and the prices are riotous !