Author Topic: Plating a barrel? (Read 737 times)

CAV Trooper · « **on:** January 17, 2005, 08:32:02 AM »

As you all know, I recently completed my King howitzer project. I'm really happy with it but could use some advice...

The original King howitzers were made of bronze and while I absolutely love the way bronze (brass) gun tubes look, the problem is that a real bronze barrel is insanely expensive. At least 3 to 4 times (or more) the cost of cast iron. That being the case, I thought of possibly having mine heavily brass plated. That way IÂ’d have the look without the cost.

Have any of you all done this or know somebody who has? Do you think it would hold up OK to repeated firings or is it just not worth the bother and I should leave it painted black? Any feedback and ideas are appreciated.

rifleshooter2 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2005, 09:50:30 AM »

If you get it plated let me know and please post a few pics. We have a King also check the photo section to see ours It's the one with the blue carrage
Andy

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2005, 02:18:42 PM »

I have had two mortars plated. _ My first was bright chrome plated on the outside - very nicely done with bright polish. Because of the way it's built it's not suceptable to being scratched. Then when I went big bore - I had the 4.5" plated with Armaloy - an industrial hard chrome - inside and out - (would be very expensive to do again).

Brass plating can be done. My only reservation would be scratching it. On the flip side - what are a few scratches if it gives great pleasure?

Lee1966 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2005, 05:45:29 AM »

I was thinking of Parkerizing my 1 5/8" bore cannon after a very good sand blasting. My tank is just big enough to the Job. Parkerizing is a good base primer as long as oil is not applied. But I was thinking of just leaving it Parkerized and oil it as I do my M-1 Grands and FN FALS and lately my Siem Auto 1919A4.

Fred · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2005, 03:28:34 PM »

Why paint it black, using the 20 foot rule if you paint it with a good quality bronze paint and do a good job no one but you will will know 20 feet away.

I have seen 6 pounders at Civil War reenactments from 20' away and was surprised to find out later they were painted. Anyway if you don't like the way it turns out you can always "paint it black"

CAV Trooper · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2005, 07:11:08 PM »

Quote

Why paint it black

Most original iron gun tubes that I've seen (and read about) were painted black. In fact, the NPS at the Castillo de San Marcos uses high temp BBQ paint around the muzzle and touch hole of the guns that we actually fire. The rest of the tube is done with a black poly since they are out in the weather all of the time.

Having said that, a metallic paint might be a good option. If there's such a thing as brass metallic high temp engine paint it should work pretty well. I'll have to look into it.