Clear Metal Finish?

[davem270win]

A buddy of mine got a great deal on a Ruger 77 original at a local gunshop. The gun looks brand new except the barrel is in the white. Apparently, it was stored for a long period of time and the barrel rusted and was then sanded down to bare metal. The gun shop told him it was no problem, they had coated the barrel with a clear sealer.

I've never heard of a clear metal sealer, and when I ran a rag with rust preventive over the barrel, I pulled off a fair amount of fine rust.

I think it needs rebluing, or is there such thing as a clear metal sealer for guns?

[gunnut69]

Some engraving is left in the white and many mauser rifles were sold in the white. They relied on preservative oils to safeguard against rust.. There is also a finish often used on fancy engraved guns called french gray. The steel is pickled or soaked in acid and then coated with clear lacquer. It is not a really durable finish. I have heard of polyurethane being used similarly.  I would guess the shop used some sort of preservative oil type product such as 'Sheath' and it was only partially successful. The barrel would be a good candidate for a blue job. Actually if funds are tight(mine sure are) then a bottle of OxphoBlue (from Brownells) and abrasive cloth will serve well. It takes little effort and a small bottle will last a very long time indeed and a very durable long lasting finsh is easily accomplished.

[Bugflipper]

Yes bluing is the best idea. The problem with any clear coat is it's not really going to be durable in the long run. The reason being is that "paint" on metal needs a porous surface to adhere to. So really it has to be bead blasted if a bare metal look is desired. Then it really doesn't look bare metal it looks more like painted flat gray.

Before bluing it I would suggest you look into electrolysis rust removal. If there is a clear coat remove it first. Then just take 1 tablespoon of arm and hammer washing powder to each gallon of water. Submerge barrel into it. Hook negative lead of battery charger to barrel under the water. Hook positive lead to a coat hanger also submerged, but do not let the positive lead be under water or it will rust. The coat hanger is the sacrificial metal. The rust, even if microscopic will leave the barrel and stick to the coat hanger. Should only take 4 hours or so if there is no visible pitting on barrel. You can see how to do it on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8vT2mdXBs8

[Dinny]

One could always have it coated with any number of different coatings. Some examples are Duracoat, Gun Kote, Ceracoate, and the list goes on and one. Most of them work better after the steel has been parkerized. Also, they come in a multitude of colors. I have an inherited 50 y/o Winchester shotgun that has a Duracoat finish that closely resembles bluing. The wood has been professionally refinished and I have been told that it looks better than new.


For more info, Google search "gun coatings." There's a ton of info out there.


These pics are not of my shotgun, but do show the quality of the coater's work.







Thanks, Dinny