Finally got out to Briley's this AM for rust blueing. The lady that took my barrels in obviously knew more about the process than I and had ready answers to my questions. She indicated she understood these barrels weren't originally a mirror polish finish and were hand struck, assured me that, other than a small area with very, very minor pitting, they would look as they did the day they left Parker. I was concerned about this as I have seen guns reblued where overbuffing to get rid of rust pits resulted in an ugly blemish, far worse than minor pitting from honest rust! Promised I wouldn't have any of the "smearing" that comes from attempting to "buff out" actual rust pitting.
Felt good when I left, we're gonna see! Pics when I get them back.

The last time I was in their gun room in Houston, they had one of the best selections of vintage doubles I had seen in a long while, including at least three Stephen Grant side lever side locks.

I have sent double guns there for barrel work (not choke tubes), and, with respect, no one has the machining capability that they do.

They also do superb gunsmithing.

I have had a tour of the whole operation in the back of the house, and it is impressive. They are a first class operation.

Got my barrels back from Briley's here in Houston. Mark Ray was correct, a very nice job, consistent and even, most all of the tiny flaws from years of service gone, absolutely no "buff" marks. Hard to photo even in indirect natural light. I'm quite pleased, they look great to me. 2nd surprise was got them back in just over 4 weeks.

Your gun looks great Keith. Just curious, is it customary for Brileys to drill a weep hole in the rib?

Beautiful!

Overall looks very good. The surface prep and striking looks spot on for the grade of gun.
The only issues I see is the weep hole, which maybe it had it to start with, but if not, it should have been avoided. And the polishing off of the barrel flats is not correct. This area should be left black. Only the lugs themselves should be cleaned up. But maybe you dont care about such details.

God Damnit, Dudley! Do you have to shit on everyone?

What? I understand why you ask. I refrained from mentioning anything when I saw it yesterday, but then someone else asked about the weep hole.

I do not by any means consider it as crapping on people just for the sake of it. But more of educating about the details of what makes a Parker. I am sorry you see it that way. Did I not also mention the strong points of the work and that the barrels did look good???

I think I will simply keep quiet from now on.

Garth, I asked about the weep hole and was told this insured there wasn't any residual moisture between the ribs and barrels to set up rust later. If the solder seal is 100% perfect when barrels were assembled and had remained so this would never happen but evidently it's not always so. I have seen a number of reblued Parker barrels where this was done.
As to the barrel flats, this gun, which I believe to have been all original, was that way when I purchased it. I have seen this before on what I believed to be original barrels, but I could be wrong, not an expert. I have some that the fore end lug is polished off on the bottom surface as well. It is my belief that the instant you reblue, refinish, or in any other way change the gun it is no longer original. My interest in the gun is as a hunter/shooter who loves the quality and feel of the Parker, hand craftsmanship from a bygone era. To me the only thing better than a fine vintage gun in the field is a box full of puppies!

Great job with the pictures and thank you for sharing