Zinc Phosphate Parkerizing a Revolver

[Fox4506]

I have always liked the rugged look of parkerized weapons, especially the older WWII look. I am considering parkerizing an old Model 10. I've read a little, and watched some youtube videos so I know the basic process, which seems relatively simple. What I'm mostly unsure about is what parts I should not parkerize. I know I need to seal the barrel and cylinder holes...but should I take the side plate off or leave it on? I'm assuming that I would not parkerize the internal workings, but I'm not 100% sure.

I know there are many people here that have done this. Can someone give me some guidance please?

Thanks!
Fox

 

[Andy Lowry]

I refinished a Victory a few months ago. I didn't seal the chambers, though I did plug the barrel. I took all the internals out and left them as-is (they were rust-free). I allowed the inside of the frame to parkerize.

To remove the original finish, I used Evapo-Rust, which worked very well.

You'll need a stainless steel pan to do the process in, and some stainless steel wire to suspend the frame so it's not laying on the bottom of the pan. A stainless-mesh strainer will be handy for the side-plate and screws.

One note of warning: be sure to degrease the frame very thoroughly. I wound up with an unsightly blotch in a spot I'd thought I'd degreased, but apparently not well enough. There are touch-up kits available should that happen to you.

I used the American Gunsmithing Institute's kit, which comes with both written and DVD instructions. I think I got it from Midway.

 

[Fox4506]

Thanks Andy Lowry! Did you completely disassemble the cylinder and parkerize all the parts separately or leave it together?

Fox

 

[Andy Lowry]

Thanks Andy Lowry! Did you completely disassemble the cylinder and parkerize all the parts separately or leave it together?

Fox

I took the cylinder assembly apart and parkerized everything separately-- that's what went in the stainless steel mesh strainer, along with the sideplate and screws. I didn't bother with doing any springs, though. What I left out were the guts-- hammer, hand, trigger, rebound spring assembly, cylinder stop assembly.

 

[Fox4506]

Thanks Andy Lowry! That's exactly what I needed to know.

Fox