Prepping Barrels for Browning

June 21, 2010

By Tony

I’ve been doing quite a bit of research into the subject. It appears to be littered with ingenious chemical mixes and applications. I’ve pretty much read the superb “Firearm Blueing and Browning” by R.H. Angier and although a technical reference in the main it gives a super insight into the many chemical mixes and applications that have grown over the years.

I’d be doing a second set of barrels at the same time as mine so I wanted to make sure whatever I did didn’t need reversing or worse ruin the barrels. In the end I decided to go with Peter Dysons slow browning solution and at the same time I purchased the log wood and copper sulphate solution. The first thing I would thoroughly recommend is that after prepping the barrels to get as best shine as you can on them that you do the copper sulphate step. Many people don’t know how important this pre-browning step is. It effectively etches the barrels ready for the browning application and the results are truly stunning. Once this step has been done you wash off the entire copper sulphate residue and behind it is the most amazing transformation of the barrels that anyone could imagine, I promise!

Here in order are the various photos from prepping through washing off

In my humble opinion the Copper Sulphate step is crucial. It brings out the contrast in any Damascus barrels and it really does set up the browning process with the best possible start. I’ve started to apply the browning solution now and will post new entries just as soon as I can.

4 Responses to Prepping Barrels for Browning

Jerry M on July 9, 2010 at 9:05 pm

Exactly what is the copper suflate solution and where can it be purchased. Thanks
Jerry
Tony on July 10, 2010 at 12:44 pm

Hi Jerry. It’s a powder, can get from your friendly gunsmith. I get it from Peter Dyson over here in the UK. A quick google will find him for you.

Regards,
Tony
Leighton Stallones on July 28, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Tony,

I am a Pharmacist-chemist, so if you run into a chemical type question, maybe I can help. However, what percentage Copper sulfate do you use for an etching solution?
Tony on July 28, 2010 at 8:16 pm

Hey Leighton. I use 1 tablespoon to 1 litre (I use about 3 litres in my window box ). Give it a good stir and make sure all of the crystals are disolved.

T