Refinishing Barrel

[jaxenro]

I am refinishing a barrel that has seen better days. I have stripped the old finish off and am moving on the block sanding the flats to remove the pits and prepare for a LMF browning. I don't want a high polished finish, but something a bit more satiny so the gun looks old but cared for (that nice brown patina that some older well used ones develop).

What grit should I sand down to? Any tips or tricks on prepping the metal for LMF browning, or using LMF?

 

[howlingwolf]

You could go about this a couple of ways depending on the level of polish you want.
1. The easyest way to remove the pitting is with a file using a technique called draw filing. Hold the file at both ends with both hands and move length wise down the barrel. If done lightly this alone will create a nice matte finish.
2. Wet the area you are going to sand with carosine or a cleaning solivent is an ok substitute. Use a wet dry sand paper. It is pretty cheap from walmart in the automotive section. A wet sanding is the most productive. When the liquid becomes paste like you're doing it right. Start at 120 grit and then to 220. That will make a nice sheen but not a brand new out of box look.
Have fun

 

[john12865]

I'd leave some pits in it. Strip the barrel out and brown her. Pits add to an old gun. I'm doing one right now. I wish the outside of the barrel had more flaws. :grin: Why is it that, I always find the fixer uppers with more pits in the bore then on the outside :hmm: :rotf:

 

[Swampman]

I use it right over the old finish and I don't card between coats.

 

[LRB]

I sorta like that myself Swampman. I really do not see a need to refinish a barrel. Wear and pits are just kinda natural looking. As long as it's outside the bore.

 

[davy]

I sorta like that myself Swampman. I really do not see a need to refinish a barrel. Wear and pits are just kinda natural looking. As long as it's outside the bore.

You see them lines in hiz face boy? Thim's road maps son ... thets seen ah thousand young struttin turkeys like you taken down hard! :rotf:

Davy