Parkerizing
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"...What does "Parkerizing look like..." Ever seen an M1 Garand or an issue M1 Carbine? The dark finish is years of oil being put on 'em. Parkerizing comes in shades of grey(depends on the metal it goes on.) or black depending on the chemicals used. There is an endless debate as to what colour original M1 Rifles and Carbines were. Black is most likely.
How much it costs(don't know what it costs these days. Especially where you are.) depends on who takes the rifle apart. It's less expensive if you do it. If the smithy does it, you'll pay by the hour for that.
Take the stock off. All springs must come out, then lightly tap a cast .30 calibre bullet into the muzzle(just enough to keep it there) and put a spent cartridge in the chamber. Send only the parts you want done and don't forget the screws. The bolt and bolt head should not be finished, but the bolt handle should. Not easy to do. Parkerizing adds a few thou and that can alter the headspace.
You can do it yourself without a great deal of fuss or making a big mess. Doesn't take a great deal of expertise to do. Does use some nasty chemicals though. There are kits available that will do either grey or black. Needs a metal container that can take heat and long enough for the barrel.
Mind you, No. 4 Rifles weren't parkerized until well after W.W. II. And then they were black phosphated. Same process. Different chemicals. Holds oil just as well.
How much it costs(don't know what it costs these days. Especially where you are.) depends on who takes the rifle apart. It's less expensive if you do it. If the smithy does it, you'll pay by the hour for that.
Take the stock off. All springs must come out, then lightly tap a cast .30 calibre bullet into the muzzle(just enough to keep it there) and put a spent cartridge in the chamber. Send only the parts you want done and don't forget the screws. The bolt and bolt head should not be finished, but the bolt handle should. Not easy to do. Parkerizing adds a few thou and that can alter the headspace.
You can do it yourself without a great deal of fuss or making a big mess. Doesn't take a great deal of expertise to do. Does use some nasty chemicals though. There are kits available that will do either grey or black. Needs a metal container that can take heat and long enough for the barrel.
Mind you, No. 4 Rifles weren't parkerized until well after W.W. II. And then they were black phosphated. Same process. Different chemicals. Holds oil just as well.
It was a mat grey colour. I assumed it was "Parkerized" Thanks, Jack
