Zinc or manganese?

[Islandhopper]

If i am in the wrong place i appologize. Anyone have shuff park their 1903 and if so which park and any photos? Thank you.

[Orlando]

No pics but manganese would be color that is closest match to original finish
Welcome to the forum

[jbkf1003]

manganese is darker, Zinc is a greenish color.

[Orlando]

Newly parked Zinc is a medium gray color

[Islandhopper]

Thanks Orlando. I have seen a photo of your Garand that seems to have taken on a medium greenish-gray hue. Would that be accurate? It's always difficult to tell true colors from photos.

[Islandhopper]

I'd sure like to see anyone's photos of their refinished 1903. Especially by Shuffs, as that is who I think I'd have do mine if I go that route.

[jak]

Not a 1903
The zinc is closer to WWII coloration. The manganese is closer to postwar.

Tim parked both of these rifles. Zinc is on the left, manganese on the right.

[Orlando]

. It has slightly turned a greenish tint after years of having grease rubbed into the finish. I suspect it would lighten some if I cleaned the park with solvent
This is when first parkerized and dry

Afterwards

Not ever rifle will be exactly the same color when refinished with the same type park, they will vary some

[Islandhopper]

Thanks jak and Orlando for the photos. They help. I hear you on the difference in colors. I do recreational parking but have no means to do a barreled receiver. Most photos show the zinc to look silver. Is it really that silver or is that just flash reflection?

[jak]

. Most photos show the zinc to look silver. Is it really that silver or is that just flash reflection?

Yes the flash did lighten my pictures a little. If you look at the bolt on left rifle, that is closer to the color of the zinc park on it. I prefer to take pictures outside and eliminate the flash, but not today with the snow and cold weather.