Newbie builder question

[bioprof]

I started putting together a Vincent Ohio rifle from TOW. So far I have the breech plug and tang inletted into the stock. So far so good. My question is that I am using a Green Mountain barrel that has a rough, satin-like finish. Do most builders sand down the rough finish on the barrel or leave it at is? If I were to sand it down, what grit sandpaper should I use? Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[TANSTAAFL]

If you are going to brown the barrel, the light satin surface finish to me is not a detraction. I use Laurel Mountain browning solution, and I never sand finer than 220 grit, for the very slightly pitted matte finish is what I want to achieve.

If you are not going to brown, you may want a left in the white highly polished surface. it will develope it's own patina with time, or you can speed things up with household bleach or such.

 

[albert]

The G.M. bbls. that I have got lately have had a very rough surface ground finish on them. I use a lathe file lengthwise on them, and very carefully file them, and do nothing else.I lay the file on the flat that I want to work on, and push it the length of the bbl. using both hands.Some people draw file,I have tried this,and I can't control the file as good as when I push. If you are carefull and clean your file often,you will get a finish that will take a good brown..The original rifles that I have looked at have had filed bbls.,and no other finishing. :imo:

 

[Zonie]

Just a thought on filing the flats.
If you pull the file towards you (draw file), keep the files tang on the left side. If you push the file away from you, keep the files tang on the right side.

In either case, you will know when it's cutting because it will need a bit of energy to keep it moving. ::