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Posted: 10/21/2007 9:58:53 AM EDT
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I'm about to attempt my first re-finishing job, with an old Ruger .22 pistol which is missing most of it's blueing. I have gathered much useful information from this forum, but have a couple of quick questions before I get started. First, I have removed the sights. With reference to the rear sight dovetail, should I cover this area with something so I can fit the rear sight back into place?, if so what should I use?. I'm sure regular masking tape will not be appropriate given the 350 degree baking requirement????. Do I need to cover the tapped hole for the front sight?........both of these questions might be mute if those of you who have used this product say the KG is not thick enough to interefere with any of these processes??? Finally, other than degreasing with brake cleaner, what else do you recommend for preparation? steel wool? ultra fine sandpaper? what?.......Thanks!! |
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What color gun kote are you going to use? I have found the flat colors to be a bit thicker then the gun blue. However not enough to screw up any tolerances. I used to remove the sites but quickly discovered that putting them back on usually resulted in scratching the finish with the brass hammer or punch. It it's at all possible, I leave the sights on. However if there is a lot of rust present, I take them off to make sure there is no rust in the dovetail. I wouldn't bother masking it off. Spray it. As for prep. I strongly recommend disassembling the gun, blast it with whatever degreaser you are using then bake it for an hour at 325 to sweat any oil out. You would be surprised at the oil that will leach out onto the finish when you bake it if you don't "prebake" it first. After the cleaning, pre-bake and cleaning again, blast it with aluminum oxide. Using anything but 80 to 120 grit aluminum oxide will result in a finish that doesn't adhere like it should. Make sure you block the chamber and muzzle when you blast it. I use an empty case of the right caliber to block the chamber and a bullet gently tapped into the bore at the muzzle. |
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