Finishing a barrel
 

What is the best method to finish/polish a barrel before blueing?

Bad, I've tried at least half a dozen cold blues and never found one that was worth the effort. If you're using a cold blue, be prepared for a lot of elbow grease and minimal results.

Polishing
 

If you have a polishing wheel use different grits of metal polish till you get the look you want. I use one of the old rust blue formula's for my work. It's a real pain and takes a while...but oh boy..does it turn out great when you get done. If you want the formula I can email it. I have 4 different ones. They all work but some take a bit more work than others

inch wide lengths of clothbacked sand paper 10 or 12 inches long, whip it like shining your shoes. If the barrel is rouge, start with about 100 grit and work down to 400. Takes some work but you can get decent results. If there is rust or pitting you may have to draw file first. Once barrel is smooth and brightly sanded, you need to clean it really good before attempting to blue by ANY method. Metel must be free of any oil residue or fingerprints. The cleaner the metal the better the finished job will look.

Well, it depends....
If you want a matte finish, glass beading will give you great results.(think 870 express style finish)

If you want a gloss finish, it takes ALOT of time.
Follow what ESLB said, then take a sheet of 800 grit wet/dry and soak it in kerosene. polish til shine. Next, Norton Abrasives makes a Convolute wheel which is like a wad of scotch-brite. Polish to a shine with no "shadows". Last step is a flannel muslin with jewlers rouge'. Be careful not to over press the barrel to the wheel as this will cake the rouge' on to the barrel. Last step is to use a clean muslin (sewn cotton type) with a little dab of FLITZ metal polish.
Degrease with rubbing alcohol and give 'er hell.
The secret to a good blue job is all in the prep. Rushing this is a sure-fire way to make a crappy job.



Cy

Hey Skeet
 

Would appreciate your rust blue formula(s).

I have one that I use but it was copied on an old time fax machine and the face pealed off and I can't read it any more.

All I know is that when the druggist mixed it up (1967) he questioned my use as it is some kind of poisionous. Probably couldn't buy the stuff now.

Does a better blue job than I've ever seen on anything else. Hit it wiith a very fine soft stainless brush and it turns the nicest brown you ever wanted to see. Lasted 35 yrs till I rebarrelled.

Polishing a barrel
 

Thanks for all the info.
I put it buffing wheels at 100, 200, 400 and 600 grit. I guess I spent about an hour at each. I then buffed it show shine method with some I think about 800, got it from a freind. I think I'm done.
I chambered and crowned it, I fired 5 shots cleaning between each one, and the group was 5/8". I hate to pull the barrel off and blue it now.
It is a 243AI on a Rem 700, Shilen barrel, it has been lapped and tured. HS tactical stock, Kelby rings, 12X Leupold. 85 gr Sierra, Rem Case Fed Match primer, 46 gr of 4350

Now to think of another project.

PS I have for this action a 22-250; 25-08AI; 78-08AI
Thinking of a 260AI or a 6.5-284, but that will be the subject of another post.

Again thanks for the info.