Balister Riguard Rework

[neilwest]

1. I got this as a ufixem. The grips were gone and the trigger was real stiff. The trigger turned out to be the pin jammed in of center and I took some old grips I had to work with

2. I sanded the grips smooth and then just put two coats of tungoil on them and finished with pastewax.

3. I took the slide and frame down to bare metel with Birchwood blue and rust stripper and then dremeled her down with a polishing tool. Then I used a parkerizing kit I purchased at a local gunstore to see how it would work. The results were surprizing as you can see.

4. What do you think. Any difference?

BEFORE WITH GRIPS LAYED ON TOP:

http://album.gunsnet.net/data/tammywest/90_p4085.jpg

AFTER THE PARKERIZING AND GRIP REFINISHING:

http://album.gunsnet.net/data/tammywest/90_p4084.jpg

http://album.gunsnet.net/data/tammywest/90_p4083.jpg

[zouavexx]

You are a true artist.

[cwalker3]

Neil that is REALLY nice looking. I thought you had to sandblast in order to parkerize. The expense of the sandblasting equipment is what is keeping me from getting into parkerizing, so if I don't have to take that step...

[neilwest]

The trick was to get the pits out and to strip all the old finish off. this kit was easy once the metal was stripped. It is rock solid as well. The slide was stuck so I beat it off with a rubber mallet(forgot to oil it after completing process) the finish stayed put.

[whos2kno]

nice looking pistol neil.you did a really good job on this one.

[smittylite]

That is a beaut, Neil. Looks totally different.

[Pa.Patriot]

As I am reading this I am in the process of re-working a couple of Ballester Rigauds :D No kidding. Took a break to see this thread.

Mine are getting all the dings in the metal smoothed out. I refaced and re-crowned the dinged up muzzles and deepened and squared the rear sight notch. I also beveled the magazine well and lowered and flared the ejection port on one of them. I am debating keeping one in original config other than smoothing and refinishing.
Tomorrow they go to the bead blaster and I will parkerize when complete.
They will both sport new grips/grip screws when finished.


I will post before and after. May some "during" too. :)

[neilwest]

1. Post when you have the pics. I love to see these old jewels referbushed. The are very nice and not overpriced.

2. I have four Rigurds, and four Molinas. These are like the Carcanos. Fun to play with.

[REDSTAR]

That one is without a doubt the best refinish jobs on one of these .45's I've seen on these forums to date. Be proud Chief, you did a superb job on that one.

Sounds like PA Patriot is going to be in the running too though :)

Yours looks as good or better than the arsenal refinsh jobs SOG sells for $300. And you didn't grind off all the markings. :D

The one thing, and this is just me, I prefer the ribs. I'd get a new set of those grips from JDL enterprises. Although I admit I like the grain in the wood on those refinsihed grips.

You aint kidding, these things are a great value for the money. I bet 3-4 years from now people will be moaning because they didn't get one of these. The thing with all this stuff is they are never going to make new ones, once they're gone they're gone for good.

[zouavexx]

Originally posted by REDSTAR
You aint kidding, these things are a great value for the money. I bet 3-4 years from now people will be moaning because they didn't get one of these. The thing with all this stuff is they are never going to make new ones, once they're gone they're gone for good.

Thats the nature of the beast in this hobby...

[cwalker3]

What parkerizing kit did you use? If I can find it online, I'd like to pick one up.

http://www.molyfusion.com/shootguarpar.html

[neilwest]

1. they have different kits. Mine used a tank to soak the parts in a solution. They also have a spray on that is suppose to be excellent.

2. http://www.molyfusion.com/shootguarpar.html

3. This company is suppose to be even better quality and easy to do. check the mini-combo kit.

http://www.adventec.com/sub5.htm

[Pa.Patriot]

Yep, I'll post 'em.

That's a good idea with sanding down the grips, I just did a set of mine;)

Did you park the bbl? Can't tell from the pic. I think I'll park a couple and polish a couple (chamber hood)

[Elduce]

Fine job Neil, If I was wearing a hat, I would take it off to you!

[RetVet]

Outstanding Neil. Looks like new now!:cool:

[neilwest]

1. thanks guys. Yes I did parkerize the barrel as well.

[Jericho]

I did the barrel on this one and it took a few shots to fully clean it out...


And cwalker3 they recomend to blast it but it jyst needs to be brought down to the white and no oil on it.. I used the do it yourself kit for $24 at: http://www.mg34.com/Parkerizing.html
It makes something like 3.5 gallons... I used something like 1/8 of the solution for this pistol...
http://members.aol.com/norico2/myhomepage/1.jpg

[cwalker3]

Thanks Neil. I ordered a kit from Advantec. I have three Ballesters that are in need of attention and can't wait to see how this comes out.

I can use my buffing wheel to get down to bare metal. Will I need any other special supplies, like stainless steel pans, to use the solution?

[neilwest]

1. Yes, mine did. I used the stainless tank I got for my hotbluing kit that I have yet to put up, but you dont need anything near that big. I good size pan will work.:bye:

[Scoupe]

Neil, it's always a treat to see your handiwork. I like the smooth grips personally. Just beautiful, as always.

[VonFatman]

That's a beauty Neil! Great job. My re-finished unit (Ball. Molina) is not as nice.
VF