Chalk?

[Ranger94]

I was just reading a recent thread on identifying guns. A fellow member mentioned to use chalk to rub on the serial number & proofs for a better picture. In a million years, I never would have thought to do that. Is it as easy as grabbing my kids chalk and rubbing it on the marks? How do I remove when I am finished? I assume there is not risk of damage?

Thanks for everything! I always learn so much on this forum.

Ranger94

 

[JohnL]

Good to know!

 

[ADK Bigfoot]

Tooth brush should take it all out when you are done.

ADK Bigfoot

 

[deermanok]

Damp cloth.

 

[Buck Conner]

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This was a common practice ever since guns started being traded or sold. Some stampings are just hard to read being stamped lightly.

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[Smokey Plainsman]

For a more lasting solution, there is a product called “two part marine epoxy” that is sold in a White color. This can be mixed and rubbed into the markings and using a card to scrape away excess leaves the epoxy inside the stampings. Works great!

 

[Buck Conner]

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Most collectors won't use this product because your changing the surface of a valuable guns.

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[azmntman]

chalk weak VIN # all the time

 

[SDSmlf]

Have used caulk, or for a slightly more durable highlighter, a China marker, aka, a grease pencil, since the 1960s when the old man showed me how to do it. Never purposely clean it out, as it disappears over time from use and general cleaning. Would not consider ever using paint, not to mention any epoxy products.

 

[Col. Batguano]

Or a white crayon. Paint thinner dissolves wax when you want to get it out of there.

 

[springfield art]

I was just reading a recent thread on identifying guns. A fellow member mentioned to use chalk to rub on the serial number & proofs for a better picture. In a million years, I never would have thought to do that. Is it as easy as grabbing my kids chalk and rubbing it on the marks? How do I remove when I am finished? I assume there is not risk of damage?

Thanks for everything! I always learn so much on this forum.

Ranger94

Not at all damaging. Just wipe with moist cloth and it'll come right off. Of course, if it's a fine blued finish, you want to be careful not to abrade it...gently does as gently goes.

 

[1853enfield]

One thing that really up sets me is the way the BATF makes importers stamp the firearms they bring in. talk about ugly. i know i should not mention a pistol made in the 1950's but i picked up a Beretta m-81 the darn thing is stamped on the trigger guard with like 1/4 inch letters. sorry for mentioning a modern firearm.. i am 72 years old and truly prefer older guns. there is nothing to compare to the smell of black powder in the morning.

 

[springfield art]

One thing that really up sets me is the way the BATF makes importers stamp the firearms they bring in. talk about ugly. i know i should not mention a pistol made in the 1950's but i picked up a Beretta m-81 the darn thing is stamped on the trigger guard with like 1/4 inch letters. sorry for mentioning a modern firearm.. i am 72 years old and truly prefer older guns. there is nothing to compare to the smell of black powder in the morning.

I know some of the newer replica imports have the markings less conspicuous purposely in response to the complaints; a lot of that is due to the good ol' cowboy action folks.

 

[springfield art]

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Most collectors won't use this product because your changing the surface of a valuable guns.

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Yeah, but you're not changing it in a permanent way.

 

[tenngun]

Can you do a tracing paper transfer. They do it on old gravestones. Lay paper over the barrel and run pencil over it.
Not having done it but it might be worth trying.

 

[Buck Conner]

Can you do a tracing paper transfer. They do it on old gravestones. Lay paper over the barrel and run pencil over it.
Not having done it but it might be worth trying.

It works, have done this many times at customers request.

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[nhmoose]

I have used "Whiteout" for years. Solvent used for gun cleaning removes it asap.