My first Milsurp

[5MadFarmers]

As for the line inside the action, there is no browning inside the action. It is blued.

No, it is browned. Browning and blueing are two different processes. Similar but they use different chemicals. Some parts were blued and some parts were browned. That receiver has been re-browned.

Check ordnance memoranda 22 for the processes. Rock Island's annual report, 1891 if I recall, also has a detailed report on both.

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[Aragorn243]

No, it is browned. Browning and blueing are two different processes. Similar but they use different chemicals. Some parts were blued and some parts were browned. That receiver has been re-browned.

Check ordnance memoranda 22 for the processes. Rock Island's annual report, 1891 if I recall, also has a detailed report on both.

Admittedly, I know very little about these rifles which is why I'm asking. But you are confusing me here. I'm simply not seeing a browned finish on the receiver. It looks blued although the exterior is browning with age which is consistent with original bluing. I've read that many of these did go through a refurbishing process around the WWI time frame which would account for the light sanding and possible refinish of the receiver. Is that what you are suggesting?

I pulled it out and looked at it again, it is not a deep blue like I was thinking but definitely blue. I understand the browning process can be turned blue by boiling the metal so I'm not saying it isn't possible.

As for the circle "p", it has been sanded, I examined it very closely and can see the marks. The number 34 was added after, probably by the national guard (?)

As for the interior "line" of bare metal, I located a photo of another rifle with the same effect:

Krag Jorgensen ready to rock and roll (courtesy Roy Hill for The Truth About Guns) | The Truth About Guns

[5MadFarmers]

Browning and Blueing are the processes - not the end result colors. Browning results in a color most would call "blue." The third process used is called "blackening."

Barrels on Krags and Trapdoors were never blued - they were browned. Looking at them most would call them "blue" but they were in fact browned.