Browning a double barrel shotgun

[mykeal]

I recently came across a CVA double barrel muzzleloading shotgun kit that I bought back in the 70's. It's well preserved so I decided to go ahead with putting it together. Back in that time frame I built some other CVA kits, including a Hawken rifle and pistol and a Kentucky rifle and pistol.

I used the Birchwood Casey hot browning solution to finish the barrels on those kits and they are still just as good as new, so I'm leaning toward doing the same thing with the shotgun barrels. However, I'm concerned about whether the heating process might damage the barrels; I don't know how they are attached to the center rib and whether they come apart, or perhaps getting one side too hot compared with the other will cause twisting or bending.

I plan on using a plumber's propane torch to heat the metal, the same way that I did the rifle barrels 30 years ago. That was pretty simple and quite successful; I had good control over the rate of heating and the top temperature. I believe I can repeat that with the shotgun barrels, but I'm not sure it will be good enough.

Has anyone done this, and what should I be concerned about?

I have another option: I purchased a cold browning solution from Midway: Laurel Mountain Barrel Brown and Degreaser, which I've never used. The instructions seem simple enough, and I like the fact that heat is not required. I this case I'm concerned about whether I can get a good even finish like the one I got with the Birchwood Casey hot method.

Again, does anyone have any experience with this method?

Has anyone tried both, and which would you recommend?

[lonewolf5348]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/lonewolf5347/P1040007.jpg
the above is a renegade I built a few years back still looks as good as the day I finished it.
I did use LMF browning chemical and the stuff works great,follow the instruction degrease the barrel and parts, wear rubber gloves to handle the barrel and parts.I found you have to only dampen and apply in even stroke using cotton patch (old tee shirt) ,try not ot go over a part if missed,set aside for 12 hours and do the same step.I apply about 5 coats then card with old blue jean material,I think the above took about 12 coats I also made a swat box using a pale of hot water a light bulb all covered with a sheet of plastic to get more humidity.I find it to be a slow process browing system when finished looks great,no heat or flame needed.
I think after the color was reached I used a wash using baking soda to stop the rust and apply a light gun oil.