J.K. Hawken Rifle Kit — Step 15: Metal Finishing

Tip: Finishing materials are not included with this kit. You will need to supply your own metal finish (browning, bluing, or an aging solution) and your own wood stain and stock finish.

The barrel will need to be draw-filed. This is accomplished using a single-cut mill file; usually a 6"–8" file works well. In practice, the file is held nearly perpendicular to the barrel axis and pushed or pulled lengthwise along the barrel. This produces long, finely sheared cuts and a relatively smooth finish. The barrel can be smoothed further, if desired, with abrasive paper.

Any remnants of gating on cast hardware should be removed with a file, and any visible parting lines should be removed as well. Surfaces should then be finely filed and sanded.

Barrels can be finished using a variety of methods, including bluing, browning, or various aging techniques.

Warning: Do not heat the underrib above 350°F. The soldered ramrod pipes will melt off.