GPR-Brown, Blue or White?

[greytop13]

Word has it that Santa may be delivering a GPR kit with my name on it Friday night. This'll be my first kit.

I've been reading back over several threads on barrel treatments and understand that many barrels were left in the white by colonial gunmakers. But by 1830, what was standard? I'm worried that if I try browning the barrel it will look more like a fake chocolate coating than if I leave it white and let her age naturally.

Thanks for the help.

 

Laurel Mtn Forge brown. After browning, you can get the look you want by removing some brown with steelwool, til you get the look that pleases you, or even remove it all. Only cost 7 or 8 bucks and is easy to use

 

[mewing6003]

I have used the laurel mountain forge browning and I would recommend it. I found a slightly "battered" perdersoli double barrel shotgun on guns america. striped the bluing, cut the barrel down and browned it for civil war reenacting. came out better than I expected. also the laurel mountain stuff is also a degreaser. You can go from a light brown, to a very rich deep brown with that stuff, just depends on how much time and elbow grease you want to devote to it. However, if there are any imperfections (pitting, dings, etc.) in the barrel, they will show through the browning. :imo: they just give the gun some character.

As for the question: "blued, browned, in the white"; we have been having that discussion in our reenacting unit for years now. seems everyone can find multiple references for anything they want as far as barrel finish. I guess it would be want you want, and how much work you are willing to do. :m2c: