Browning a Revolver

[38-55]

I have a Pietta 1858 Remington cap and ball revolver that I would like to antique. First off let me say this is for my own enjoyment, not to fool anyone

I plan on stripping off the factory bluing with white vinegar, then applying a coat of Van's gun blue and then Birchwood Casey Plum Brown. Anyone here had any experience doing this with any advice?

Thanks!

[gamekeeper]

I have made a couple of bright and shiny brand new blackpowder guns look a little bit more trail worn, just by polishing the bluing off in the same places as genuine antiques have naturally worn over the years.
I had problems with Casey Plum Brown, there was a useful thread about this a few weeks back.

[38-55]

Thanks, I found the thread. Sounds like I better re-think how I want to do this!

Did anyone see the episode on American guns where they antiqued a gun with coffee grounds? I wonder if that really works?

[Old No7]

"Did anyone see the episode on American Guns where they antiqued a gun with coffee grounds? I wonder if that really works?"

Yes, I saw it. I'm told it does work...

...just "Do It Yourself" and save, hmmm, maybe $3,000 to $10,000+ from that shop!!!

Old No7

[adirondakjack]

I've done it and won't use BC plum brown again. Here's why.

While plum brown worked OK, I MUCH prefer Dixie Instant Antique Solution.

I did up a Ruger Vaquero with BC, and a rolling block with Dixie.
Dixie ROCKS by comparison, and is a COLD process. If you follow the instructions diligently, Dixie renders a better result by far.

Buy yourself a box of Nitrile exam gloves at the pharmacy and use em religiously during the process. Figure out how and hang all the major pieces with wire (I used copper wire stripped from #12 house wire) so nothing touches em while the coats dry. In either case I did about 5 or 6 cycles. For the roller I waited the required time, so it took about 3 days, but came out ACES.


looks kinda scary while in process.




Note the cast bullet tapped into the muzzle to keep the bad juju out while working on it.
The mottled colors on the receiver reflect the original case hardening effects on the 100 year old gun. The barrel is new.


never really did like the Ruger, but it got better with two or three years use.

[gak]

Actually, the Ruger's pretty nice too!

[38-55]

AdkJack- that's exactly the type of finish I'm looking for! Those guns look great!!
I'll look into Dixie's product.

BTW- what part of NY are you from? I'm in northern ny (Norwood) near Potsdam.

[J Miller]

Go shooting out in the dust, wind, rain, snow, heat and sleet. Use black powder or better yet Pyrodex. Use an old style one layer not fitted holster and don't clean it every day. In a couple of months it will be antiqued just like a real one.

Joe

[MrMurphy]

Browning made automatics.......

[Blaine]

Browning made automatics.......

I'm the moron that thought I had somehow missed hearing about a Browning revolver when I opened this thread.

[Leverdude]

Browning made automatics.......

I'm the moron that thought I had somehow missed hearing about a Browning revolver when I opened this thread.

Least you aint alone, I figured to see a Miroku revolver of some sort.

[38-55]

Sorry about the title guys , I should have called it Antiquing a Revolver

[38-55]

Bump