I have been thinking about grabbing a black powder kit revolver and putting it together myself. It seems like a cool project and a good way to really learn the ins and outs of the gun, so if you have some tips for me, I am all ears..
I believe it is mostly fitting and polishing work -- and of course bluing or cold bluing (Brownell's Oxpho Blue highly recommended).
These kits were popular 20-30 years ago and finishing them often popped up as a chapter subject in the black powder anthologies of the day.
The ones I've seen required a lot of work and results were not good. Parts really needed to be hardened after fitting. The steel used was low carbon so case hardening was the only option.
I believe it is mostly fitting and polishing work -- and of course bluing or cold bluing (Brownell's Oxpho Blue highly recommended).
These kits were popular 20-30 years ago and finishing them often popped up as a chapter subject in the black powder anthologies of the day.
Thanks , great point. I'm excited about the fitting, polishing, and bluing stages. Any tips on tools, order of operations, or common mistakes to avoid? I am also curious whether modern kits need heat treatment or bedding
The ones I've seen required a lot of work and results were not good. Parts really needed to be hardened after fitting. The steel used was low carbon so case hardening was the only option.
Good to know, thanks for the heads-up. I'll check metallurgy and insist on hardened parts or proper case-hardening after fitting. Any recommended shops or methods for reliable hardening and heat treatment in my area please?
