Hot-browning advice?

[cwfritz]

Hi all -

Am getting ready to finish my winter project flintlock rifle, and am wondering about browning it. Have decided on a hot-browning method because cold-browning leaves it too rough, I want a smooth dark-brown satin finish. Can anyone advise for or against any particular solution such as Birchwood Casey Plum Brown, etc? Thanks.

[gunnut69]

I have just finished a fullstock hawken and used PlumBrown to do some of the metal work.  I like it as it's easy to use and the results are usually quite good.  Follow the directions and you shouldn't have any problems.  Don't however put the solution on cold and then heat.  the resulting rust will not add to the finish and will pit.  Also use multiple coats to get a nice  even finish.  After rust can be a problem but a bit of baking soda and water stops the rust.  Then a nice oiling and I finish with a coating of wax.  I used to use beeswaz but am experimenting with a finishing wax.  It dries harder and is much easier to apply... Good luck from the gunnut69