Here is an update on my Kibler SMR. I had not touched it in a few months due to traveling, grandkid functions and life in general. All the metal parts have been fire blued and turned out pretty good. The barrel accidently looks aged. I used a brass blackening solution and it darkened some of the barrel while lightly darkening other parts. It turned out a grayish brown. Looks like it has been carried a lot. I think I will leave it as is.
Attached are photos of what I did today. I used the iron nitrate from Kibler and so far one coat of Tried & True varnish oil. I really like this stuff. It is easy to work with just have to be patient with the drying time before another coat goes on. I did the burnishing thing that Jim Kibler does on his video. Not particularly fond of that method. I put a few light scratches on the stock. You have to look closely. Hope the next coat fills in more. Over all, I am enjoying the building process. I can't complain about the wood. Not a bad piece of wood for being their standard grade wood.
