Pedersoli chromed finish

[Rudall]

I have a pistol like this:

and would perhaps like it to be like this:

Could anyone tell me how easy/difficult/impossible it would be to remove the chromed finish and brown the barrel?
Would it be a physical removal with emery? Chemical?
What browning is recommended? Birchwood Casey products?

I know very little!

Many thanks.

 

[Zonie]

Your best bet is to sand the finish off, using the black, wet/dry, silicone carbide sand paper. Silicone carbide is harder than the chrome plating but it will take a lot of sanding to finish the job.

After the chrome plating is removed, you can brown the barrel using a good product such as Laurel Mountain "Barrel Brown & Degreasing Agent". This is a cold browning agent that uses humidity to form the brown, hard rust finish.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Do you think it’s chrome, or “in the white”.

 

[Rudall]

It’s chrome according to the Pedersoli website.
It doesn’t sound as if this would be a very easy job. Getting the chrome off the round parts (where the nipple screw in – I don’t know the terminology) might be pretty tricky.
It was just an idea, anyway. Probably one to consider yet for some time.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Maybe it would be better to sell it, and buy the one you want.

 

[Rudall]

A bit drastic!
I'm perfectly happy with the gun – I wouldn't have bought it otherwise. I was merely wondering if it could be done, and if so I might try it at some point.
A little internet research tells me that reverse electrolysis might be the way to go if that day arrives.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Sorry that’s not what you wanted to hear. Ive been building for about 25 years, and know metal and wood finishes pretty well, and I wouldn’t do it.

Just my opinion. Lots of work, little return. Don’t think there’s an easy fix.

 

[Fifty Four]

If you really have to have that plating off, call around to chrome shops in your area. You should be able to find one that'd do it cheap enough. Removing it with abrasives is a job of work, and electrolysis probably isn't something you want to tackle at home. Toxic waste, etc..

 

[Rudall]

I got a quote for £20. Not too bad I suppose. If I ever decide to go ahead, that is the route I’ll take.

 

[Fifty Four]

That's not a bad price at all, really. Best of luck with it, whatever route you take.

 

[Cattman]

what is wrong with it now? it is a high quality handgun. i would leave as is and have fun shooting it and then clean good when done shooting. it looks beautiful as is.

 

[Rudall]

You are probably right. Maybe I just have Covid cabin fever. Thanks to all for the suggestions.