Parkerization question

[Bob K]

if the bore of a barrel has been parkerized, is it still shootable? I'm guessing not, but I really don't know.

[browningautorifle]

We did many in the shop I worked in. After parkerizing, we scrubbed out the bore with a good oiled bore brush and there was never any problems. I think however, the proceedure was to plug them. We just had too much difficulty with that so...we did lots that way. Maybe Chuckindenver can chip in, he's one of the gunsmiths here.

[Brian Dick]

Parkerizing the bore is not a good thing since it's an etching process and tends to cause fouling to accumulate at a higher rate. However, it won't hurt to shoot it and may not effect accuracy in the slightest. Corking during the finishing process is the norm but every once in a while one will pop out and if you don't get the barrel out of the bath quick enough, it can flood. I cork the chamber end and gas port, fill the barrel from the hot rinse bath and then cork the the muzzle before I submerge it in the phosphate bath. This equalizes the temperature and if by some chance one of the corks comes out during the process, the clean water will save the barrel from the phosphate bath while you pluck it out quick.

[GUTS]

If the barrel has a chrome bore, will the parkerizing still stick to it? I was always told it won't.

[browningautorifle]

Park will not stick to chrome. Nothing really will...