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Posted: 11/3/2015 4:37:56 PM EDT
so i got a hawkens 54cal rifle kit from dixie gun works a few years back and never got around to putting it together. well unfortunatly i crashed my dirtbike and now im layed up for a bit with a broken back and ribs so i got plenty of time. so i figured nows a good time to start building it. ive been trying to decide on barrel finish. should it be browned or blued? and what techniques or products have you guys used?
Link Posted: 11/4/2015 9:10:53 AM EDT
[#1]
I like brown because its traditional. Brownells and Dixie both sell a kit that works well.
Link Posted: 11/4/2015 1:09:23 PM EDT
[#2]
I have that same kit/rifle in LH percussion.  I Browned the barrel using a kit from Dixie gun works , 17 years ago.  it still looks good.  I think brown looks better than blue on a traditional rifle.
Link Posted: 11/4/2015 4:19:30 PM EDT
[#3]
You want to visit the American Longrifles forum they are the AR15.com of building BP firearms.  Friendly folks with lots of knowledge to steer you right.
Link Posted: 11/4/2015 4:49:47 PM EDT
[#4]
Here is an original. It looks like it was finished "bright", and not blued or browned. Consider doing that, maybe? Some people on ALR swear that a bright finish won't rust. This one seems to have held up well.

http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum/the-galleries/the-prospering-new-republic/case-29-the-rifle-shop-and-the-plains-rifle/samuel-hawken-plains-rifle.aspx

Link Posted: 12/19/2015 3:24:05 PM EDT
[#5]
I used this stuff on a Kentucky build...easy to use and netted some real nice results

http://www.laurelmountainforge.com/barrel_brown.htm
Link Posted: 12/19/2015 10:15:40 PM EDT
[#6]
Researchers taking apart old rifles to investigate construction techniques have found a high percentage of "brown" barrels that show bluing in protected areas.   It seems that many rifles became "brown" through use and age.    Others show original browning, or were finished "bright".   It seems that any of the three choices is period correct.  Finish it the way you like.



Concur with Laurel Mountain Forge Forge Barrel Brown;  I think it is the best stuff out there.  It can also be used a a rust bluing solution if you have a tank to boil the barrel in.



Have fun!
Link Posted: 12/20/2015 12:12:21 PM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I used this stuff on a Kentucky build...easy to use and netted some real nice results

http://www.laurelmountainforge.com/barrel_brown.htm
View Quote

I'd go this route.  I used that stuff in SF but never in Colorado.  We had a lot of humidity in the former and I didn't even need to build a sweat box.
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