Finish on a Chambers Lock Question

[nuttbush]

Pards,
I have been building a South Mountain rifle from a kit and am getting near to applying a finish. It has a Chambers Siler lock with the sandblast finish. My question is, does this lock need to be disassembled and sanded or is it O.K. to finish it with the finish as is. Also, I had been planning on browning the rifle but after seeing one of Ron Ehlerts tapes where he blued a Chambers kit gun, which turned out very nice, I'm now undecided. I know that either would be period correct for an early 1800's rifle, but would either hold up better than the other. Many thanks.
Gene

 

[aragorn]

I disassembled mine and filed and emery-papered it to a bright finish, which I'll then let grey naturally before oiling. It takes hours and you need fine files to do all the complex surfaces. But it was worth it for me. I think it's largely a question of how much time you're willing to put into it. Plenty of builders leave the locks as they come and brown them, which is a far easier option and looks fine if you want that finish.

 

[Swampman]

If you brown it, you won't have to do anything.

 

[Vaino]

I'd vote for browning because you'll get uniform results w/ a variety of metal finishes and if you don't like it, boil the parts and you'll have bluing. Concerning the lock... first I would file off any parting lines and then brown as is. Just browned a Siler and slightly sandpapered the lock plate but left the other parts as is except for the parting lines and couldn't tell the difference. Remove the pan from the lockplate....easier to apply the solution and I've had uneven results in this area because of hidden oil....Good luck....Fred

 

[PvtC]

Polish all the steel, lock included, and leave it bright. It will develop a nice patina as the years go by. Long guns with a natural patina are the lovliest IMHO.

 

[54JNoll]

You can brown it as is. I like to polish everything bright and then either brown or blue it.

 

[Swampman]

It will brown better rough.