Finally starting my pistol; one more decision

I attached a photo of my recent Hawken project with a 20 year old Chambers Marshall rifle. I really like how the rust blue came out on the Hawken, and I think I will do that to the pistol. It will certainly be easier to boil a 9" barrel. The next decision will be Laurel Mountain maple stain or aqua fortis. The aqua fortis did what I wanted on the Hawken, giving a fairly dark old looking stock. The maple stain, after 20 years, looks a little red, but pleasing. Can't decide which will be best for the pistol, but I have awhile to think about it. BTW, both rifles are "25 to the pound", so a shootout is scheduled.

I like both of those stock so much it's hard for me to choose. I think that the contrast between the blue and red of the LM stain might be very striking. It might come down to the furniture for the pistol. How much contrast between the furniture and the stock and barrel. That rust blue is very nice.

Too red for me but LOVE the full stock!

I fit up the tang and barrel and the lock. Getting better at this, but boy howdy, I appreciate those with true talent. Like the Bevel Brothers in Muzzleblasts, with a very timely article on polishing locks. Yep, this Chambers Queen Anne is getting a good polishing and will be left in the white. Barrel rust blue, and aqua fortis for the stock.

Pistol is complete and ready to repel boarders. Aqua fortis worked out fine on the stock. Barrel is staying in the white. I never get these things quite perfect, but that's OK. Keeps me humble and ready to start another project. Next one will be perfect!

ligonierbill said:

Pistol is complete and ready to repel boarders. Aqua fortis worked out fine on the stock. Barrel is staying in the white. I never get these things quite perfect, but that's OK. Keeps me humble and ready to start another project. Next one will be perfect!

Click to expand...

Currently working on a pistol myself. How did you achieve the dull "flat" steel color on the lock and barrel ?

I wouldn't call it an achievement, just where I stopped polishing. In fact, this winter I may work on the lock some more. Then again, maybe I'll just "add" some tarnish from all the powder I'm about to burn. I'm no artist, although Mother Nature and Barbie Chambers did provide a very nice piece of wood. Good luck with your's.