Bead Blasted No4 Mk2 --- why??

[rickv100]

I am the new owner of a No4Mk2 and went looking for 303 ammunition today. On the racks of the gun shop was a No4Mk2 with beech stock that someone had beadblasted the finish off of.

I did not have a borelight to see if the barrel was blasted as well but it would not surprise me

There was flash rust on some of the metal bands so I don't think that any type of finish was applied.

Does anyone apply the black Suncorite finish or is this rifle destined for the great armory in the sky?

Rick

Information

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[browningautorifle]

We used to bead blast before re-bluing...we never did suncorite them. We didn't leave them in the white though. I can't imagine beading the inside though. The beads don't carry the power to do that, I've found. Just putting the gun up against the muzzle or chamber won't do it. It needs to be within a couple inches. It should be ok as a shooter, or for finishing the re-finish job.

[Peter Laidler]

Just re-bead blast and phosphate and then repaint are my thoughts. After all, like BAR says, that's all we would do. As for the barrel, I agree with BAR too. We'd occasionaly slip up and allow the beads to enter the barrel but unless the cack-handed blaster operator was a gorilla too, no harm would come of it. And in any case, the proof is in the accuracy test afterwards.

If it's the right price, get it, strip, re-bead, phosphate and paint. Job done and you've got yourself a good rifle.

Just my 2c's worth!

[paulseamus]

Peter

when phosphating the bead blasted barrel and action how would you protect the chamber and bore?

Paul

[Peter Laidler]

Hardwood plugs just pushed in and on the L4's and L1A1's the same, down the flash eliminators. Lasted for years and years

[Charlie]

I have plugs made from Teflon rod. Far superior to wood.