How to Brown a Bolt-Action Stainless Stalker Custom Barrel

Browning is a traditional method of metal finishing used to protect firearms from weather damage. The process, which uses a chemical catalyst to produce fine layers of iron oxide rust, is typically used on muzzle loading rifles and pistols. Gun collectors and hobbyists sometimes use browning to replace the blued or stainless finish on a more modern firearm. If you want to brown the barrel on your Stainless Steel Stalker, set aside a few days for the project. The browning process isn't complicated, but it can take some time for the layers of rust to form.

Things You'll Need

  • Gun vise
  • Masking tape
  • Very fine steel wool
  • Cotton cloths
  • Browning solution
  • Denim or poplin cloths
  • Blow dryer
  • Gun oil
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Open the bolt on the Stainless Steel Stalker and inspect the magazine to make sure there is no ammunition in the weapon. Never work on a loaded firearm.

    • 2

      Remove the trigger guard mounting screw, located at the back of the trigger guard plate, and pull the trigger guard away from the rifle. Remove the barrel mounting screw, which passes through the magazine floor plate hinge. Pull the barrel and action away from the stock of your Stainless Steel Stalker.

    • 3

      Secure the action in a padded gun vise. Make sure you have access to work on the entire barrel.

    • 4

      Apply masking tape to the front of the receiver, where it meets the barrel. This will keep the browning solution from affecting the receiver and the barrel mounting block. Plug the muzzle with a rubber stopper to keep browning solution out of the bore.

    • 5

      Rub down the barrel with very fine steel wool to remove surface imperfections and grit on the barrel. Clean away any residue by wiping the barrel down with a clean cotton cloth.

    Brown the Barrel

    • 6

      Fold a piece of clean cotton cloth into a thick, one-inch square. Moisten the pad with browning solution and apply it to the barrel. Apply the solution in long, even strokes from the muzzle to the front of the receiver. Don't use a rubbing or scrubbing motion, which can cause scaling to form. Moisten the cloth pad after each pass down the barrel to ensure an even coating.

    • 7

      Allow the browning solution to work for at least three hours. Chemical browning agents rely on atmospheric moisture to produce rust, so the lower the humidity in your work area, the more time the solution requires. In very dry conditions, the solution may need 24 hours to produce results.

    • 8

      Rub the barrel down with a cloth made of coarse material, such as denim or poplin, dipped in hot tap water. This removes any minor surface scaling that may have formed. Apply a second light coat of browning solution and allow it to work for three to 12 hours, depending on humidity.

    • 9

      Repeat the process of scaling the barrel and applying browning solution until the barrel's finish reaches the shade of brown you want. Most finishes require a total of four or five applications of solution. Make sure you apply the solution lightly to avoid pitting the barrel's finish.

    • 10

      Stop the browning process by rubbing the barrel down with a solution of hot tap water and baking soda. Rinse the barrel thoroughly with hot tap water, then use a blow dryer on high heat setting to remove all moisture from the barrel's surface.

    • 11

      Apply a heavy coat of petroleum-based gun oil to the barrel and allow it to set for 24 hours. Buff the finish dry with a clean, soft cloth, then apply another light coat of gun oil to the barrel.