-> JP> Parkerized is a non-reflective light-to-medium gray, Paul, not
 -> black.
 -> Uh...hmmm.  What dat is the flat black lookin' finish?
 BH>     It is a generic term for a finish correctly referred
 BH> to as Phosphating.
 BH>
 BH>     Depending on the length of time the metal is in the
 BH> solution, that will
 BH> vary the darkness of the finish.  Also, storage and treatments after the
 BH> finishing is done will also affect the coloring, as can be
 BH> seen in some WW II
 BH> firearms which are a greenisn tinge, which occurred from a
 BH> reaction with the
 BH> lube/grease they were stored in for preservation.
 BH>     Hope this helps... if not, at least I've managed to
 BH> really confuse things.
Actually your explanation was right on point and quite easy to follow.  Roy 
F. Dunlap, in his classic book "Gunsmithing" gave a pretty good write up of 
parkerizing setting out the points you mentioned.
Regards.  Cloyce.
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