Parkerizing a Super Blackhawk?

[Slatton]

Hello. I bought a new model Ruger Super Blackhawk yesterday and there are tiny bits of rust scattered here and there. I'm going to take some steel wool to the spots but eventually I would like to refinish it.

Then it hit me, it is just going to rust agian. What if I parkerized it? I don't know much about finishes or parkerizing, but what are your thoughts on this? I'd like to make it have a finish similar to my Colt 1911:

Once you parkerize a gun, can you reparkerize it agian without damaging or thinning the metal? If I parkerized a Blackhawk would that hurt any mechanical function? And would it be any more humid/sweat/rust resistant than blueing?

 

[M'BOGO]

Welcome to the forum,

Looking to start a fire?

Depending on the amount of rust, it may not come back, especially if properly cared for. Really, the blueing is a form of controlled rusting, that helps keep the corrosion under control.

If the Super Blackhawk were parked' some of the functions would be stiff and gritty for awhile. It does hold more oil against the surface than blueing. Beyond that, my knowledge of parkerizing, over and over is nil.

Your dime sir, I say shoot it, and try to wear it out. Save the money for ammo, some CLP, and enjoy the character you inhereted.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

If it matters, I don't think parkerizing a New Model gun would appreciably hurt its value as a "shooter". You can buy New Models anywhere, in almost any condition, at commensurate prices. JMHO

Interesting concept. If you decie to go ahead with this, please let us know how it turns out.

 

[anachronism]

You need to keep parked guns well oiled too. The only advantage parkerizing has is that the surface is rough, and it holds oil better. It's a pretty simple finish, all things considered. If you want something permanent, consider hard chrome plating. Ceracoat is well thought of, but any spray on finish will wear eventually.

 

[rugerguy]

its different, its durable, yes as noted above you still have to wipe it down, keep it oiled, or it too will rust..............we've done a few of them over the years for guys who wanted the dull, matte finish especially for hunting........if you want it dark, almost black you need manganese phosphate and for the mil spec, gray finish, then you use zinc phosphate............'if you wanted it closer to new and a bit more durable, than the common "bluing", then go to black oxide,but the new finishes from Ruger and others is just about the same thing these days anyway. Many use Dulite, and it more black, than blue.........I would stay away from plating and coatings, as they do not hold up to rough treatment, and for parts that need to be running against one another, and the screw holes, sights, etc, you will soon get "separation' and lifting of the finish..see this all too often and about impossible to touch up...just look at Rugers 'former' "target gray"......gotta strip off the finish and go back to the basic metal ( stainless) and treat, polish or matte the surface...your gun, your choice, there are LOTS of them out there, and everyone has their favorites..............

 

[Hammerdown77]

How about Black T?

 

[Slatton]

Thank you for the feedback. I think I will stick with the blued finish and just try my best to protect it with Blue Armadillo.

 

[CraigC]

Contrary to popular belief, parkerizing all by itself is not more rust resistant than bluing. Its advantage is that it holds oil but it must be well-oiled to work. Personally, I don't like my revolvers to be oily. If you want the matte look, have it bead blasted and reblued.

Is this a new gun? Did the rust appear before or after you bought it?

 

[Hammerdown77]

With a parked gun, the best way to oil it and not have it look or feel oily all the time is to pull the grips and drop the whole thing in a pan of motor oil (I like Mobil 1 myself). Let it sit in there a while so the parkerizing will soak up the oil. Now, remove it from the oil pan, place it in another pan, and place that pan and the gun in the oven to bake. This will "cure" the finish.

It would be best if your wife was out of town for the week when you engage in this pursuit....

 

[markggtp]

How about flat black Rustoleum!!!!!

 

[CraigC]

Might want to use something other than Mobile 1, it offers practically no corrosion protection.

 

[4MUL8R]

Contact www.robarguns.com for available matte finishes.