Gradually cleaning up a DHE 12

[Brian Dudley]

I recently picked up a factory 26" barreled 12g. DHE to use as my new shooter for a while. This gun was in good overall original condition with nice engraving, good screws, original SSBP and fully functioning.
However, the gun was well used and was lacking in the cosmetic finish department.
Frame has some case colors remaining. Mostly on the upper tang and in protected areas. Stock finish is dry and checkering has some wear. All will eventually be addressed. I do not plan to do anything with the CCH. No need to really. First things first was the barrels. They were completely dent free and have perfect bores. But the original bluing was very well worn and completely gone in some areas. And the exterior had its fair share of scratches and light marks/knicks and micro pitting. Nearly all barrel sets need a little more work that one might think, but these ones were not all that bad. A little light draw filing in some areas and careful polishing gave a nice surface for new rust bluing.

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Trigger guard will have to be re-blued as well. But another time. I will most likely address the worn stock finish next. When I get the chance. :rolleyes:

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Looking forward to seeing the "finished product".
What frame was it made on?

[Brian Dudley]

It is a 1-1/2 Frame. Weighs 7 lbs.

[Rick Losey]

nice Brian

that is going to look really sharp with the stock refreshed a bit

[Jerry Harlow]

A 26" DHE is very nice.

Chokes?

[Brian Dudley]

Chokes measure at like skeet 1 and IM if I remember correctly.

[Brian Dudley]

I was able to get the trigger guard on this gun in with my last batch of Nitre blue work.

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[wayne goerres]

Brian your rust blueing looks really nice.

[Jerry Harlow]

That's Nitre bluing, which is not easy to do and get the correct colors like Brian did. Good colors.

[Brian Dudley]

Well,

I FINALLY got around to working in a wood refinish on this 26" DHE 12g. I was very surprised with how well the wood cleaned up since it had pretty much no finish left on it and was very dark with grime. The grain is not highly figured, but attractive in its own right. The forend wood is a replacement from another gun. It was also refinished and the checkering all recut.

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[John E. Williams]

I really like how this is turning out, Brian. You do really nice work, but I think most who know you already know that.

[Bob Hardison]

Very nice. That is a beautiful piece of forend wood. Bob

[Bill Holcombe]

Beautiful gun Brian! Great work as always. If you get the chance, can you post a pic up close of the side and plate engravings?

One of the dogs looks really good.

Also, just out of curiosity with regards to what I can see of the dogs, what vintage/year was this gun ?

[Daniel G Rainey]

Brain One nice gun ! the difference between the dark stock in the before Picture and the stock and forearm in the picture after the DHE was cleaned up is unbelievable. What did you do or is it a trade secret ? Dan

[Brian Dudley]

No real secret. Acetone to clean it. And amber shellac for finish.

[Rick Losey]

the stock may not be in the highly figured category- but I think it has a lot of subtle character

nice job as always

[charlie cleveland]

brian you really cleaned this old gun up good...charlie

[Brian Dudley]

Here are close up photos of the engraving on this gun as requested by Bill.

I think the engraving work is a cut above the rest for a 1923 manufactured gun. The spots on the dogs have a look where it makes them just come alive in the light.

Once I get the SSBP reblued on this gun, it could be any of you guys' to own as I will be putting it up for sale.

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[Bill Holcombe]

Awesome work Brian. I was wanting to see the,spots. Most Parker dogs aren't spotted I y experience. At least on Ds

[allen newell]

Brian, could you explain how you apply the amber shellac and are there multiple coats?

[Bob Hardison]

Allen: I think he uses a pine tree top for application. Just kidding as I would also like to know more about Brian's magic.

[allen newell]

Brian, what are the stock dimensions?

[Brian Dudley]

1.5" and 2.5" with 14" lop

[David Penland]

What type of rusting agent do you use and do you have to vent the ribs with weep holes. That deep black color is awesome.

[Brian Dudley]

Mark Lees express blue.

If you use it, you will never use anything else.

[allen newell]

Brian, how does one apply it?

[Brian Dudley]

Same process as any other rust blue, just no waiting between application and boiling.

[David Penland]

So after the barrels are degreased, Do you have to heat them up or just apply the solution. Also is it Mark Lee Express #1. And are weep holes necessary? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[Brian Dudley]

A reading of the instructions from Mark Lees directly or brownells will anwer any questions that one may have regarding the use of the product.

I have found that the addition of weep holes is not a requirement for rust bluing. They just cause more problems than anything.

[David Penland]

Thank you

[Brian Dudley]

Got around to re-bluing the SSBP and screws on this gun.

Nitre Blue.

Some of the nicks and scratches remain in it as to not compromise the original engraving on it when polishing.

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[davidkerns]

Brian
You do exceptional work , and are quite meticulous , a very nice job on the checkering , I have an early DH no ejectors with 30 inch twist barrels , I will attempt re-finish , could you recommend someone to re-checker?
Again exceptional work on your.
Dave PGCA #1691