Brass Finish Doesn't Last?

[MuttCat]

I've been reading up on Henry rifles a bit and came across the notion that the brass doesn't hold up. The receivers...so it was said, are not really machined from brass, but rather just given a brass finish. And that over time it fades. Or something like that.

I can well imagine a metal finishing wearing away from aggressive polishing or plain abuse. I understand that color case hardening can fade away over time.

Anybody know anything about Henry rifles and the brass story?

 

[Hochulsucks1234]

I have a few Henrys and an 1866 with brass receivers. The Golden Boys I believe are just a finish while the original rifle is pure brass. The 1866, new or old, is all brass. I have yet to see any fading of the brass, although I take the proper precautions such as humidity control and cleaning. I wipe the brass down with a fine cloth and that is it. I haven't polished any of the receivers, although I have heard folks using Brasso on older worn looking 1866s and they come out beautiful. I worry more about rust on steel than I do issues with the brass.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Agree with Hochulsucks. If whatever the material is solid then you can maintain it. Short of that there is NO finish that will hold up. Not bluing not cerakote not any type of plating not powder coat no paints etc etc. Think of it like a solid gold ring vs a gold plated ring. Of course there are different levels and qualities of finish but htey will all eventually wear off with enough use.

 

[MuttCat]

My concern would be with new Henry rifles. Man, I had a brass belt buckle from Uncle Sam and that got the hell polished out of it...no way the shine on that thing would ever fail. I wonder if...does the Army even have brass buckles anymore? I digress.

I only ask because I'm considering a lever gun, either brass receiver or color case hardened. It would just be a toy or wall hanger, so I'm not that concerned, but I'm not interested in a cheapo metal finish.

 

[dsdmmat]

From all I have read Henry big boy receivers are a brass alloy, the Henry 22 rifles are plated.

 

[Beerman]

Any finish treatment on a gun is like a NYS road: use it the tiniest bit and it’ll start to show signs of wear. Use it a little more, and whatever is underneath it will be visible.

 

[repete]

From what I understood the brass ( on the .22s) is actually a real brass 'sleeve' that fits over the steel receiver, the others no idea. Give them a call or email, they'll gladly answer your questions.
OH YEAH, the brass finish has a clear coat of some kind that doesn't need polishing.

 

[Acer-m14]

i went into the NAVY in 83 and used a lot of brasso on the belt buckle to pass inspection in boot camp lol