I like old odd rifles. Due to budgetary constraints I can't afford the museum pieces. And maybe I would want them if I could afford them. Many old odd rifles, mostly just parts in a box find me.
Not that I want "new out of the box condition" but many have parts that are extremely pitted.
I was wondering if you could use zinc electroplating as a pit filler on the non-pressure parts e.g. butt plates, trigger guards etc.
A friend had some old motorcycle parts Zinc plated. The plating really smoothed out the surface without any sanding or polishing. That got me thinking.
So this is the process I was thinking....
1. Derusting-- I like evaporust
2. Zinc plating
3. Sanding to remove back to the steel of the high spots
4. Repeat 2 & 3 till pits are filled
5. Cold rust bluing if that is the correct finish
6. Black Patina the Zinc.
Thoughts, tell me if I am crazy.
Thanks in advance