ltwguns.com

This may sound like a strange question, but I am wondering if anyone has developed a technique for refinishing in a antique or distressed bluing? I have a Belgium Browning HP that was once in service with the Israeli security forces and has a black painted finish over parkerizing. The painted finish is worn and splotchy, but the mechanics are in great condition. I would like to have some basic work done to this pistol (trigger job, reliability pkg., etc.) and would like to have the paint & park removed and then blued. I would also like to maintain the original service look at much as possible including the original walnut grips which are in good shape, but have nice patina and character dings n dents. I don't think these grips would look right on a pistol with new 100% blue finish, which brings me back to my original question...has a technique been developed where newly blued pistols can have the finish buffed or thinned from the corners/edges/highspots/gripstraps/etc., giving a balanced well used but not abused look?

TIA and this is a great forum...I love reading through the posts and looking at the photos of the beautiful work done by the smiths here.

_________________
MacTec Enterprises
Targeting Solutions
http://mactecsales.com
Factory Authorized USA Dealer for Karl Nill Grips

I don't know that I could actually do it but I know of people who have artificially aged a refinished gun. Find a stiff but correct holster for it and start jamming it in. Once you see where the holster is wearing the edges, you can speed up the process by taking a piece of stiff leather, maybe charge it with some rubbing compound, and start working the areas you want to age. Good luck.

Well, one idea is that after you reblue it, send it to me with about 5,000 rounds of ammo and I'll draw and holster it for almost every shot, leave it on the seat of my truck with my tools, and generally shoot the heck out of it for you. I'll have that finish looking old and original in no time!

Hey, it's a lot of work, but for a fellow forum member, I'd be willing to sacrifice!