Adventures of a newby...
I just thought I would show you where I am in the home bluing process. I am using the Laurel Mountain product.
I completed the metal prep to 320 grit and degressed the barrel . I hope I did it right!
I made two wooden plugs for the barrel as much for handles as to keep the barrel dry (?).
Then, following directions I swabbed on a thin coat of bluing product using a clean patch.
Wow it looked streaky, blotchy and in general like I did a poor job.
Next I took a shower and put the barrel in the corner of the shower after I got out and after about four hours I put it in the shop so I did not forget and have my wife shower with it the next day!!! That would be a double ooops!
So about mid-day today (24 hours) I boiled up some distilled water in a large pot and heated the trough while empty. I started empty and added from a boiling pot to give the two stove burners under the steel trough a chance to keep up. I placed the barrel in held off the bottom with two spacers under the dowels. I started adding boiling water a cup at a time until I had covered the barrel. By the time the barrel was covered - less than two minutes it was dark black! I was a little shocked how dark it was.
The directions say not to card it the first time around.
I did pull the plugs to run an oiled patch through the bore.
I have a second coat of Laurel Mtn on it now and tomorrow after I return from the range testing loads for Saturday's BPCR match, I will boil it again and card it this time.
Fun stuff!