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Thoughts on Browning a Kibler SMR Lock?

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Joined
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I built a 36 Kibler SMR a couple years ago and browned all of the iron parts. The barrel came out a little splotchy and I've been thinking about finally getting around to fixing it soon. Anyways, when I built it I left the lock plain and decided to let it build a natural patina over time. Now I'm toying with the idea of browning the lock to have it match the rest of the hardware.

Does anyone have pictures of their SMR's with browned locks? Also does anyone have tips for browning a lock if I decide I want to do it? I used Track's cold brown solution for another build recently and it turned out fantastic so I'll probably use that for the Kibler now.
 
One I just finished
134333B2-7E50-4E6D-877A-7618BD1D78C3.jpeg
5538ADCB-A704-44E9-8DA0-AEBC0BA789CB.jpeg
 
That is one heck of a finish! I’ve got to look into that brand.
 
No, I wouldn’t advise it. If you like it fine, it’s your gun.

Personally, find browning the locks on these rifles akin to the DuroCoat or Cerakote finish used by Pedersoli and other manufacturers to mimic a traditional rust brown. It just seems out of place. But if you like that modern look, go for it. Maybe look at some of the spray on epoxy finishes.
 
This is neither a Kibler rifle or lock but I used Track of the Wolf Browning solution and just lightly browned everything, lock buttplate, barrel. It has a worn look.
20230608_131030.jpg
 
Here's an lock from a rifle my Dad built and I finished. This one I browned to death.
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I'm about to make my first Kibler. Personally, I like the browned a lot more than the rubbed back black or patina'd bare metal look, because that's how all my original Appalachian School rifles look in my collection. The argument that they wouldn't look like that when they were new in 1845 is true. But when I'm carrying one I like pretending IT is that old, an 200 year old antique, rather than pretending I live back in the day, 200 years ago. I actually had someone at the range, a very experienced old shooter who isn't much into blackpowder, think my contemporary was an original.
When I get my kit I'm going to seriously consider browning it to look generations old, like the ones I have look.
 
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