I'm sure many of you do something like this already but I thought it worth mentioning. When I went to Zimbabwe last year, I found that about a dozen people wanted to see the serial numbers on my rifles. I fortunately had set up the Pelican case so the serial numbers were visible. But especially at the Harare airport, the lighting was lousy and they struggled to make out the numbers.

I carry a pocket light, which was helpful. But with returning to hunt Humani with Guy Whittall next month, I got a white-colored wax pencil and highlighted the serial number and cartridge designation for each rifle. Just rub the wax pencil over the markings thoroughly and then wipe off the excess surface wax with a rag.

I noticed that my son's Tikka came from the factory so highlighted and I just touched up the markings. But my Kimber Caprivi rifles certainly benefited from the white coloring and I suspect it will speed up and simplify the inspections.

^
Good idea! Thanks for sharing.

BH63

England,

That is a very good idea! I'm adding that to my prep list for new clients.

Mark

I did the same thing on one of my rifles, but I used a 'gold' wax pencil. Probably not quite as easy to read as the white, but adds a small touch of class IMHO, and is easier to see than no filler at all.

Good idea, Thanks.

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Reply

Good plan
Tks

Great idea, thanks.

All of my rifles have the gold 'inlay' in the serial numbers and in other writing. I have been using a gold lacquer stick for years. Just buy the gold lacquer sticks for firearms that rub in, harden, and then wipe off the excess. I believe that Birchwood Casey used to make them. I have actually had individuals want to purchase my firearms after seeing the 'gold inlay'. One lacquer stick will do dozens of rifles.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
All of my rifles have the gold 'inlay' in the serial numbers and in other writing. I have been using a gold lacquer stick for years. Just buy the gold lacquer sticks for firearms that rub in, harden, and then wipe off the excess. I believe that Birchwood Casey used to make them. I have actually had individuals want to purchase my firearms after seeing the 'gold inlay'. One lacquer stick will do dozens of rifles.

$10 from Brownells

Now, that is what you call a good idea. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
All of my rifles have the gold 'inlay' in the serial numbers and in other writing. I have been using a gold lacquer stick for years. Just buy the gold lacquer sticks for firearms that rub in, harden, and then wipe off the excess. I believe that Birchwood Casey used to make them. I have actually had individuals want to purchase my firearms after seeing the 'gold inlay'. One lacquer stick will do dozens of rifles.

I used to do this with all of my blue steel revolvers. Looked really nice!

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I used to do this with all of my blue steel revolvers. Looked really nice!

Yes, I've done all of my blued rifles, shotguns and pistols with it. It lasts quite a while and sometimes touch-up is required, but it makes a firearm look big bucks. It isn't really useful on stainless-you can do it-but it's not as eye catching. I learned the trick about 20 years ago from a gunsmith who is now deceased and who used to do it to rifles that he built and/or refinished. He had a term for it that is not PC and that I can't repeat here.

Great tip, will do this to my rifles on my next trip.

Just did two rifles this morning with white lacquer paint stick from amazon. Brilliant! Thanks for the tip

Interesting. I need to go look at some of my customs as I think some of them do not even have a SN visible (then again, I may be just losing it).