Browning or Blueing for barrel to Longrifle Kit?

[sixgun_symphony]

 I purchased a vintage, NIB .45 caliber Longrifle made by Miraku of Japan. This was produced in 1970 according to the seller. Anyway, this rifle has quite a bit of brass furniture and I am not sure that it would look good with a browned barrel. Maybe I should go with a blued barrel?

[StrawHat]

Either one will look good and both are appropriate depending on style and era of the rifle.  I have a couple of rifle with lots of brass.  Here is a Trapdoor, the barrel is bright.
 

 
Next is a Harpers Ferry 1803 with a browned barrel.
 

 
And finally, a Hawken with a blued barrel, sorry, iron furntiure not brass.
 

 
Any of the finishes are dependant on the amount of polishing done prior to applying the chemicals.  I usually quit at around 600 grit as I do not want a mirror polish on the old rifles (with some exceptions).  If you do the polishing yourself, use a stiff backing and go along the barrel.  Avoid shoeshining the barrel, at least on the last grit.
 
Let us see the results when you get it complete.  Or before and afters.

[keith44]

as brass ages it takes on a yellow / orange patina, then eventually a brownish patina that compliments a browned barrel really well.  Now if you intend to keep it "Parade Bright" I'd say blue the barrel.


For historical accuracy you will have to research the "school of gun smithing" that produced the design of your particular piece, and the time period it was used.

[Hooker]

I stripped my Hawkin's blueing off with white vinegar then gave it a aged patina with mustard.
Now to get rid of that horrible modern rear sight .

Pat

[Rock Home Isle]

In my opinion...there are few charactoristics that enhance the fine lines of a classic Black Podwer Rifle then a well browned barrel. Couple this with browned steel furnishings or nicely finished brass...and the effect is even more eye-catching and appealing.
 
I am well aware that there were Blued Rifles back in the age of the Flintlock and the early Percussion rifles. Ultimately it is the opinion of the owner of the rifle that matters most....

[ironball]

Many of those old brown guns started life as brilliant blue. The older bluing solutions slowly age into a plum brown patina. In the end it is what you like to look at that determines what you should use.

[DennyRoark]

as brass ages it takes on a yellow / orange patina, then eventually a brownish patina that compliments a browned barrel really well.

X2
Denny