Finished my Colonial

[Adam in WI]

This is my Colonial in .54 stocked in cherry. I was convinced I needed a brass patchbox, so I went ahead and took my best swing at it. I was regretting that decision about 4 hours into the process, but now that it's finished, I like it and I'm glad I did it.

I initially wanted to do the dark lye staining and rust browning, but after seeing what light colored cherry looks like I changed direction. I did use some lye, but the mixture was very light. What I actually used was 3 .45-70 cases of lye in a 1lb hodgdon powder jug filed with water. Then I used 2 heavy coats of Watco natural Danish oil. Once that dried, I applied half a dozen coats of Arrow wood finish.

I had already tried browning the metal, but I didn't like the glossy red "candied" look; so I stripped it off with blue and rust remover. The resulting gray looked nice to me so I left it at that.

 

[olskool]

very nice!

 

[barracudadave67]

Nice. I like it. Good job.

Dave

 

[Tacitus]

Nice job. The patch box suits it nicely. By going easy on the metal and wood finish time and the elements will work their magic and the rifle will grow ever more handsome.

 

[Antelope Pete]

I'm sure the patch box decision was a tough one to make if you haven't done one before. Good on you and good job.

 

[Loja man]

A nice looking rifle!! You did well!!

 

[Cayman like]

This is my Colonial in .54 stocked in cherry. I was convinced I needed a brass patchbox, so I went ahead and took my best swing at it. I was regretting that decision about 4 hours into the process, but now that it's finished, I like it and I'm glad I did it.

I initially wanted to do the dark lye staining and rust browning, but after seeing what light colored cherry looks like I changed direction. I did use some lye, but the mixture was very light. What I actually used was 3 .45-70 cases of lye in a 1lb hodgdon powder jug filed with water. Then I used 2 heavy coats of Watco natural Danish oil. Once that dried, I applied half a dozen coats of Arrow wood finish.

I had already tried browning the metal, but I didn't like the glossy red "candied" look; so I stripped it off with blue and rust remover. The resulting gray looked nice to me so I left it at that. View attachment 310818View attachment 310821View attachment 310823View attachment 310826View attachment 310827View attachment 310828

Like that patchbox!

 

[Buff1958]

sweet

 

[TDM]

Very nicely done. Congratulations.

 

[yonderin]

Veerrry niiicce!

 

[leakytire]

Yes I do like the cherry. If I can ask, how long does it take to polish up all the brass parts, and did you work on them them separately from the stock?

 

[JeffG]

This is my Colonial in .54 stocked in cherry. I was convinced I needed a brass patchbox, so I went ahead and took my best swing at it. I was regretting that decision about 4 hours into the process, but now that it's finished, I like it and I'm glad I did it.

I initially wanted to do the dark lye staining and rust browning, but after seeing what light colored cherry looks like I changed direction. I did use some lye, but the mixture was very light. What I actually used was 3 .45-70 cases of lye in a 1lb hodgdon powder jug filed with water. Then I used 2 heavy coats of Watco natural Danish oil. Once that dried, I applied half a dozen coats of Arrow wood finish.

I had already tried browning the metal, but I didn't like the glossy red "candied" look; so I stripped it off with blue and rust remover. The resulting gray looked nice to me so I left it at that. View attachment 310818View attachment 310821View attachment 310823View attachment 310826View attachment 310827View attachment 310828

Excellent job!

 

[Adam in WI]

Thanks for the nice words, folks...

By going easy on the metal and wood finish time and the elements will work their magic and the rifle will grow ever more handsome.

That's kinda what I was thinking. I wanted to see what the wood would look like darkening on its own (mostly). I was going to let the metal just do whatever without outright neglecting it. I might have cheated a little though and wiped some dirty patches on the brass parts. In my defense though, they were starting to get splotches just from me handing the rifle while shooting.

My first shot was a complete miss. I was in a hurry on account of rain coming in, so I just grabbed a box and set it out 30 yards away. I yanked it while standing and felt like a dummy. I knelt for the next 3 and felt like it did fairly well. I'll put it on a bench and sight in proper when time and weather allow.

Yes I do like the cherry. If I can ask, how long does it take to polish up all the brass parts, and did you work on them them separately from the stock?

I felt like polishing the brass was the toughest part of the whole process. I tried coarse sandpaper, which didn't do very well and tended to leave some difficult to remove scratches. I tried a regular bastard cut file, which was a little better. The only parts I left in place while sanding the wood was the butt plate. The rest I left off and cleaned them up individually.

One member suggested a Swiss cut file, which I would probably try if I were to do it again.

My butt plate didn't get totally smooth and shiny, but the minor little pits will fit in well with the "used but not abused" look once the rest of the metal catches up.

 

[leakytire]

Thanks for the nice words, folks...



That's kinda what I was thinking. I wanted to see what the wood would look like darkening on its own (mostly). I was going to let the metal just do whatever without outright neglecting it. I might have cheated a little though and wiped some dirty patches on the brass parts. In my defense though, they were starting to get splotches just from me handing the rifle while shooting.

My first shot was a complete miss. I was in a hurry on account of rain coming in, so I just grabbed a box and set it out 30 yards away. I yanked it while standing and felt like a dummy. I knelt for the next 3 and felt like it did fairly well. I'll put it on a bench and sight in proper when time and weather allow.

View attachment 310914




I felt like polishing the brass was the toughest part of the whole process. I tried coarse sandpaper, which didn't do very well and tended to leave some difficult to remove scratches. I tried a regular bastard cut file, which was a little better. The only parts I left in place while sanding the wood was the butt plate. The rest I left off and cleaned them up individually.

One member suggested a Swiss cut file, which I would probably try if I were to do it again.

My butt plate didn't get totally smooth and shiny, but the minor little pits will fit in well with the "used but not abused" look once the rest of the metal catches up.

Ok thanks, l just started the process myself and thinking 'well this is fun ' - I do have an assortment of files and stuff so we shall see-

 

[Wncman]

Patch box looks good. The Grey metal looks good , I like it and am think of doing one similarly. The cherry will
Darknen over time

 

[rp77469]

Cherry is my favorite furniture wood. If you want it darker, expose it to the sun for a few hours. Looks good as is. You did a better job inletting the patchbox than I could.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Well done, you can be proud of that!

 

[Reds]

Very nice rifle! You guys keep posting them and one day I will join the Kibler Club!! Always wanted a SMR but these big bore Colonials look Great! Thanks again for posting your fine work!! Reds

 

[Arrowhead124]

Love the color! and that’s a nice touch with the patchbox.

 

[Greg Selner]

Great looking rifle.
I like the grayish look on the barrel as well.
Gives it an aged steel look.
Great job.