Antiquing a barrel?

[flintbuilder]

I have looked over the forum and can't find any specifics on how to get that lightly pitted matt grey finish on your barrel and lock.
I have read bleach, or boling bleach to steam the parts works well to get the light pitting. Also have read mustard, and naval jelly can work. Can anyone give some insight, direction or better yet some pictures and specifics?

 

[Zonie]

Welcome to the Forum.

Most of the information you want is located in the Gun Builders Bench area.

Here's a few links http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/251022/ http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...6/post/849857/hl/vinegar/fromsearch/1/#849857 http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...8/post/756241/hl/vinegar/fromsearch/1/#756241 http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...54/post/789950/hl/bleach/fromsearch/1/#789950 http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...47/post/710053/hl/bleach/fromsearch/1/#710053

Use our search feature to find more.

My thoughts on using these alternate barrel finishes:

If you plan on never selling the gun then finish the steel parts the way you want but, if you ever plan on selling your gun you may regret using these finishes.

95+ percent of the people who are interested in buying guns want one that is in nearly new condition. The first thing they see is the outside of the barrel and a good many of them, after seeing a "aged" barrel will think, "My God! If the outside is in that bad of shape the bore must be almost solid rust!" Many of these people won't even bother to look down the bore to see if they are right. They will just keep on walking while they think, "I've NEVER seen a rifle that looked that bad!"

 

[jsn]

you can soak some rags in vinegar and wrap the barrel in them and let it sit for a week..... I dont advise doing this because pitts are harder to keep clean....