The receiver I am studying currently remains about 35% blued. The barrel matches perfectly. This blue is closer to a average denim color. Upon disassembly, there were many signs that it had not been disassembled for very long time (like 75 years or so IMHO) – which is a first for any rifle of mine. The Krag I inherited from dad has barrel blue that is much more of a black tone and has not been altered in the 50+ years it has been in the family. FYI: Both rifles show the expected wear and rust suitable for a vintage piece. As far as the silvery finish on the receiver I am studying, it has not been broken through (if it there) – I cannot tell by looks alone. I have had receivers where it was quite apparent however. The side plate and gates are another story. Nearly all of my side plates and gates show the silvery ‘coating’, some of these have ample amounts of silver with varying amounts of satin black finish (mostly on the interior). If the side plates and gates were a translucent satin black when new, it seems logical that the bluing would have been intended to be more of a black (to match the sides) tone than denim blue? Quite possibly, neither of these rifles made it through the 20’s or 30’s without being redone but I would like to know which one looks more ‘original’.

I looked in Poyer’s book once again however I do not see where he explains the finish for the receiver or magazine assembly (except for the follower). It is the only resource I have besides the internet. If anyone has the other resources I mentioned by Dick and cares to quote what they say about finish I would be interested.