Case colors for the Trojan

[David Penland]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

David,
Thank you for posting a picture of the 20g that you posted about. It helps us in accurately commenting on your gun instead of just speculating.

The condition of your gun is what some would call a "rough weather hunter". One you can take out and get good service out of and not worry about getting it messed up.

Case coloring this gun is the LAST concern you should have. Other matters like barrel blue and wood condition always trump frame condition in my book when it comes to what should and shouldnt be restored in a priority list standpoint.

The only way this gun should be considered being re-colored is if a FULL restorstion was being done. And even then, the amount of surface prep to the frame would be great because of the damage already caused by active rust.

Shoot it and enjoy.

After considering all advice here is a picture of the Trojan cleaned up. I still intend to work on the barrel blue a bit.

[Craig Larter]

I believe Doug Turnbull's colors are the best for a Parker re-color. I have examined all the other current re-color providers and feel Doug is the best and most accurate. I am a little younger than Bill Murphy but I believe his opinions on restorations are spot on for an older guy!

[edgarspencer]

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

[Craig Larter]

I don't consider myself a broken clock just stating the opinion of one man as is Edgar. The best approach is to look at many examples and make up your own mind. You are paying the bill so what makes you happy is the most important factor.

[edgarspencer]

I couldn't agree more, Craig, however, I am not, as you say, stating the opinion of one man, although I have yet to see, out of many examples, a piece of Mr. Turnbull's work that resembles colors reminiscent of Meriden's heat treat practice. As you may have failed to notice, I am only one of Many, who like another well known shop. Some people tout the work of a shop because they have had them do work; others may tout the work of a shop because they don't get along with another shop. My opinion is based upon what I have paid money for, in addition to many guns which I have cased for others.
As I stated before, I think Turnbull has a good idea how to heat treat a Winchester frame, but not so much a Colt frame. I spent over 20 years making Colt's case hardening boxes (yes, they are cast martensitic stainless steel) and did manage to pick up a few bits and bobs of info along the way. I have no doubt when Turnbull gets his packing practice under control, he'll start being consistent. What I mean by the clock thing, is his practice is not consistent.
What many people think of his work, may not, in fact, be his work. Do you know what he farms out? Hmmm......

[Craig Larter]

OK Edgar you win, sorry to state my opinion. I surrender, I have learned my lesson. I am only an unsophisticated apple knocker from upstate NY.

[GH-16]

It looks like it's cleaning up fairly well. I'm pretty much in Brian's camp on this one.

Clean it up the best you can & enjoy it for what it is.

[Bill Murphy]

I have a small covey of guns I have bought over the years, covered in rust, and abused and neglected in other ways. Most are in wonderful condition today and only a couple ever saw the inside of a gunsmith's shop.

[jack lyons]

[IMG]case coloring[/IMG]Attached are some pics of the case coloring don't by Lyons Gunsmithing, Correct the more engraving exhibits a more subtle appearance than as shown in the Parker Vgrade receiver, this was an old receiver , stripped due to rust , Lyons does Rust bleuing case coloring, nitre blue , hot blueing

[CHE]

jack the pictures don't come up. we can't see them