My Century's Ballester Rigaud is done, but...

[lpspinner]

I didn't like the way the frame came out. So I may strip it down again and redo the frame.

The finish on this is Brownell's Aluma-Hyde II in semi-gloss black. The little parts were blued using Brownell's Oxpho-blue creme.

The slide and frame were originally prepared using Birchwood Casey's Rust and Blue remover, then brake cleaner before spraying on the AHII. The slide received 2 coats. The frame was redone, by sandblasting the first 3 coats of, then I applied 3 new coats of AHII.

I still may redo the frame. This time I purchase more replacement nozzles from Brownell.

The rubber grip is from JLD.

I've got a Ballester Molina sitting around waiting to be done, I may try parkerizing this one.

http://www.tystuff.com/images/Misc/BG-144opt.jpg

[billfrommich]

I don't think that it looks bad like it is. The guns that I sandblast usually wind up looking like that. I usually try to polish the metal unless it's pitted badly, if that's the case I blast!
I'm doing a m44 that I'm gonna sandblast and coat with brownells teflon/moly (stainless steel color) I have cut the bbl. to 16' and am installing a muzzle brake. The stock is Krylon olive drab. It's a cheap project but it's gonna be a fun little rifle. I shot it after I crowned the bbl. and what a muzzle blast!
Bill

[neilwest]

1. I like the blue finish better then a paint but she doesnt look bad at all. Unless your totally unhappy I would leave it, otherwise send it off to be parkerized.

[zouavexx]

I think you did a good job on it! :cool:

[survivor99]

Hey, LPS, it looks nice to me too. But I have a suggestion for you.......IF you're not 100% happy with it, why not send it to ME!!!! LOL I'd be tickled pink!

survivor99

[lpspinner]

Thanks everyone. What I don't like is the cracks in the frame, kinda like a window pane shattered and it's not as smooth as I oringinally hope for. As for durability, I had the trigger and a couple other pieces sitting in a cup of Mineral Spirits for about 10 days and it didn't do a thing, but I think that she may peel.

Now I know why Brownells sells extra nozzels. The paint is thick, but the hole is very small, so it does clog. I had replaced the nozzel from another can.

I've got the other Ballester Molina to deal with, so I'm going to try to Parkerize her, then I'll come back and see how this one is holding up?

Hey Bill,
Sounds like fun. I'm in the process of BLO'ing my M44 stock right now and then do some touchup blueing. It's sound like you're making one of Phil's "Boss Hog" Hunting special.
www.floridaammotraders.com
He tells me, you can shoot this one handed, no more recoil then a 9mm pistol.

http://www.floridaammotraders.com/m44.jpg

[SalBO]

What break is on the Boss Hog rifle and where can you get it? I checked FAT's sight and dont see it for sale. Also, how do you crown a barrel without putting it in a lathe ? Is there a tool that I can buy to do it myself ? I want to order an M44 and build my own HOG Rifle. That is one cool looking rifle..... thanks for the help

[survivor99]

Looks to me like what they did, was cut off the end of the barrel at the bayonet lug. Moved the front sight back, and drilled holes in the barrel. See? Part of the stock and handguard is missing, as is one barrel band.

survivor99

[lpspinner]

Phil makes two different models. The one that is pictured has the barrel cut down to 13", then the muzzle brake is permanently welded on.

He also makes a 16" version with a screw on muzzle brake. They cost about $180.00

You can order them directly from him (813)-806-1958

Each one is made to order.

[whos2kno]

i like the pistol.
how do you like the grips? are they worth getting?
whos2kno

[lpspinner]

Originally posted by whos2kno
i like the pistol.
how do you like the grips? are they worth getting?
whos2kno

Thanks, I like them better then I wood greats. I have a average size hand and find the girps to be very comfortable. I ordered two from JLD for apprx 32.00 shipped priority mail. They don't come with screws, so you'll have to clean yours up.