Main Discussion Area > Muzzleloaders
.54 Great Plains Rifle
JW_Halverson:
Brass buttplates are a lot easier to "educate" than steel. You can get a brass one fitted sorta close, then a few well placed hearty bashes with a rubber mallet and suddenly everything is fitted so close you couldn't slip a rolling paper in where there used to be gaps. Steel might take even more energy to "educate", and I am not going to tell you to do it.
Parnell:
I see, JW. I've got it quite close by carefully filing/sanding away the stock to fit the plate. It's close but if I hold it to a light and carefully look I can see it coming through in a couple little areas. It's not major but it is a little annoying. I know it won't make a difference with it shooting but I'm just trying to do the best job I can for my first effort.
I did begin to use the cold browning solution, last night. I'll see how the process goes on those then I'll do the barrel last. It's interesting stuff. I am going to shape the stock a bit more to round that flat area behind the lock plate.
Here are two pictures of where those areas are currently:
Parnell:
Didn't have any time last night but the browning is coming along well. Starting to feel comfortable with it. I really like the way it looks and it's pretty fun to check on it after its development in the humidity down here. It gets a dusty film to it. I'll neutralize these pieces tonight with the baking soda water solution.
I think I'll start on the barrel tonight.
Stoner:
Can you tell me a little more on the browning process? Or maybe a link to some info. thanks John
Parnell:
Hi Stoner,
From what I understand, there is "hot" and "cold". Apparently, with the hot you do apply heat after the solution has been applied. I'm doing the cold browning. It takes longer but gives it a more authentic look, in my opinion. It is basically a $5 bottle of solution that is acidic liquid rust. Make sure everything is degreased, apply the first coat "vigorously" and give it a little to dry...a second and third coat are needed where you card off the dust first then do a single uniform very light pass, more if desired and you want it dark brown. When you are good with the finish you neutralize it with water and baking soda then oil.
I've really enjoyed this part of the project, very fun.
Of course Murphy's Law kicked in yesterday when I browned the barrel. I applied the 2nd coat and put it aside on my bench. We had a mechanic over doing work on my wife's Honda and he apparently touched the barrel with his oily fingers while I wasn't in the garage and I see finger marks. ::) >:( Annoying, but it won't matter much. I left a "Do Not Touch" sign on the pieces today.
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