I don't understand some people

[John Sukey]

agreed, I want to throw up!

[Dan Shapiro]

Was in Arizona last month. In one gunshop I saw a CHROMED Model 1861.

[gnoahhh]

One instance where form doesn't follow function.

[LARscout]

People simply dont appreciate old things anymore. The recent sniper craze is to blame I think, but then again I am guilty of cleaning up and rebluing some of my surplus rifles to a fresher condition.

[Dick Hosmer]

Was in Arizona last month. In one gunshop I saw a CHROMED Model 1861.

Aren't those Italian replicas? I've seen at least two myself.

[mhb]

Reference the 'chromed' 1861...

remember the original finish was 'National Armory Bright', and some of the re-enactors polish their rifles up real shiny - I have an early Navy Arms 1863 which is quite bright.
Not saying the one seen was not chromed, just that a close inspection is sometimes needed to be sure what the finish is on these guns.

mhb - Mike

[John Sukey]

On those American Legion rifles used for the (final salute) Do you ever wonder how many are cleaned after firing blanks?

[RickM]

I was a bit nauseous

[Peconga]

Duracoat on a Krag. What's next, Krylon on a Trapdoor?

Certainly not my cup of tea but the owner seems pretty proud of his handiwork. Note that the rifle in question is a cut-down Model 1896 (look at the bolt handle recess) which means that it is legally an Antique made in 1898 or before. Thus it can be legally transferred interstate without an FFL, and also owned / transferred without registration in jurisdictions that control intrastate sales between private parties. Although the seller doesn't mention it, building an "exempt" all-weather survival gun would be about the only reasonable justification I can think of for that kind of finish.