"Parkerized" BYF

Navy · 10-27-2002, 02:02 PM

These were produced by Mauser under contract to Portugal.

A parkerized finish is a matte, non-reflective finish that is produced by an acidic (?) process that etches the surface metal and imparts an extremely durable surface that is easily protected with oil-based lubricants as the porosity of the finish alows the oil to penetrate the skin surface,IIRC.

Parkerization was used on US military firearms almost exclusively starting about 1935 or so. It varies somewhat in color from flat gray to a slight olive cast based on what type of oil/lubricant was initially used to temper and cure the finish.

I maynot be absolutely right on the nature of the process as I am no metalurgist, but I think I have it basically right. FWIW, I have always thought that a parked Luger was a pretty good idea for military applications.

Tom A

10-27-2002, 02:02 PM	#2
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	These were produced by Mauser under contract to Portugal. A parkerized finish is a matte, non-reflective finish that is produced by an acidic (?) process that etches the surface metal and imparts an extremely durable surface that is easily protected with oil-based lubricants as the porosity of the finish alows the oil to penetrate the skin surface,IIRC. Parkerization was used on US military firearms almost exclusively starting about 1935 or so. It varies somewhat in color from flat gray to a slight olive cast based on what type of oil/lubricant was initially used to temper and cure the finish. I maynot be absolutely right on the nature of the process as I am no metalurgist, but I think I have it basically right. FWIW, I have always thought that a parked Luger was a pretty good idea for military applications. Tom A