Your opinions on a rifle finish

[timn]

Some of you know that I refinish guns. I do hot blue, rust blue, parking, etc.
I don't want seem as if I'm bragging but, I'm pretty darn good at it. Several local smiths bring me their finishing work.
As part of my smithing apprenticeship, I am building a 1917 Enfield. The action is already barreled in .458 Win Mag. Since that's a little on the overkill size for the jack rabbits I hunt, the rifle will be for sale when finished.

Since THR has so many knowledgeable and diverse folks, I would really appreciate your opinions on what finish would be the most preferred. If you were interested in obtaining a rifle of this type, what would YOU like as a finish.
I think I've decided on a Richard's Microfit Quilted/Fiddleback maple stock in the custom rollover style. Shoot, give me your opinions on that, too.
I included a couple of shots of the Enfield in it's present shape. There are a few deep scratches on the receiver that may not come out completely. The barrel is in good shape and can be polished to any finish.


The pics show a satin matte, factory type finish, a step up from factory (800 grit polish), and an ultra polish.
Thanks mucho for your input.

 

[BobMcG]

Heck, I'd have no use for a rifle like this so it would have to be something very pretty (and I'd probably need my head examined too) in order for it to find it's way into my safe. For this reason I voted for the ultra polish finish.

 

[mljdeckard]

Growing up, I was all about the tactical. Start with what the government uses, and then decide if there's any reason to change it.

As I have grown up, I have come to realize that militaria and hunting really are two seperate hobbies with different needs and different gear. I see guys hunting with stainless, blued, whatever. Maybe it makes an ounce of difference, maybe it doesn't. I have also come to understand that every piece of equipment used by the military is made by the cheapest bidder. They cut every corner they think they can. This doesn't mean the rest of us have to.

In militaria, you are trying to people who will shoot back. It makes sense to have the least visible finish possible. When you are hunting coyotes, you have to give them credit for sensing things that are out of place. Again, least visibility possible.

I have a 1917 that was my grandfather's. And while he put a sporterized stock on it, I wouldn't change the original blued finish. A .458 is a hunting weapon, not a military weapon. If it's a custom job, you probably want to make it as pretty as possible.

 

[rbernie]

Personally, I'd pefer the matte finish. But for resale, I suspect that the 800 grit or ultra polish would probably have the most overall appeal.