Gunsmithing can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

[slm9s]

I had bought two Shilen CM barrels to build a 7RM/338RUM switchbarrel. I was going to build on a WBY Mark V so I bought CM barrels so I could have them blued to match the blued action. Now, I have a very nice polished SS Defiance action I want to build on instead. Can I polish the CM barrels and leave them uncoated to match the polished SS action? Or will they rust or otherwise start to look terrible?
A can of clear Krylon would probably do the job, but will it look like crap?
Any other thoughts?
Thanks.

 

[colchester]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

Yes you can leave it uncoated Keeping a good rust inhibitor on it will be required I have a couple like this. ETA its not a forgiving finish

 

[ORD]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

I personally wouldn't leave it "in the white" if it were my barrel, but it won't hurt it per se as long as you take adequate care in keeping it oiled up, are cautious with the environment its stored/used in, and take care when you return from using it to ensure that its properly cleaned/stored away.

While I understand the desire to have a nice, polished stainless (at least "stainless-looking") rifle...why not get the whole barreled action (or complete rifle for that matter) coated in something that will offer you durability when in use, superior corrosion resistance (anything is more superior to a barrel left in the white) and a nice appearance as well? You do realize that Cerakote (and other finishes for that matter) are available in clear finishes (in both low and high gloss)...

 

[slm9s]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You do realize that Cerakote (and other finishes for that matter) are available in clear finishes (in both low and high gloss)...

</div></div>

No I didn't. I assumed it mostly OD green, dark earth, etc that you see so many of. I'll have to look into this.

Whats the market price for having this done?

Of course, I am a cheap bastard so I'm still contemplating a can of Krylon clear.

 

[ORD]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slm9s</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No I didn't. I assumed it mostly OD green, dark earth, etc that you see so many of. I'll have to look into this.

Whats the market price for having this done?

Of course, I am a cheap bastard so I'm still contemplating a can of Krylon clear.

</div></div>

For just a clear coat (otherwise a "single color" price)...you are looking at approx. $150 give or take for clear cerakote on just the complete barreled action. There are multiple folks here on the Hide that can likely get you taken care of if you decide to take that path. It'd be money well-spent to protect an otherwise valuable investment in your rifle (and it'll look nice too)!

 

[RugerSlinger]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

The problem is that the clear wont stick to the polished finish, what you need is a self etch clear, it has an acid in it that makes it sticks to the polished finish. They use it on polished aluminum.

 

[slm9s]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RugerSlinger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The problem is that the clear wont stick to the polished finish, what you need is a self etch clear, it has an acid in it that makes it sticks to the polished finish. They use it on polished aluminum.</div></div>

Just when I think I've found the answer - Clear Duracoat . . .

Back to google I go. :O)

 

[RWSGunsmithing]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

You could use some metal polish like flitz that has a wax or some other metal protectant in it. Now you'll have to use it often because of the oils and cleaning solvent used on the gun.

Be sure to keep the bores oiled as well.

 

[ORD]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

Sure you'll have to follow the typical blasting for cerakote that will obviously dull or matte the polished finished, but wouldn't using a high gloss clear cerakote thereafter not yield the results desired? Hypothetically of course.

 

[seanh]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

Maybe hard chrome both the receiver and bbl...

 

[ugsly]

Re: can you leave a CM barrel uncoated?

Cerakote has a clear, I believe it will go over a polished surface and dosent have to be blasted. I know the clear will give a 9H hardness. I just got a pint of it today.

Kc