Looking at a Shaw 4140 barrel in the "white"; Could you recommend a metal finish that a novice could do? (without damaging the accuracy)
Have some mechanical aptitude.

Both Brownells and midway offer 'at home' blue kits and parkerizing kits, be it chemicals and fumes.

Have you considered a spray and bake finish, such as ceracote of some of the others offered?
I had an AR that was completely done in ceracote [not by me] that had a great durable finish on it.

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"

Gun Coat or Alumahyde works well if you like a painted finish.

One guy did some pakerizing for me in the past for a very reasonable price, so may check with him first.
I will also look into cerecote, etc

what's it going on???

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"

"what's it going on???" Shaw 4140 Chrome Moly barrel in the "white";

How is gunkote applied? would I need a air brush?

no, i got that.

i meant which rifle?

Ceracote and aluma-hyde are spray ons, that then need heat to cure them

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"

Savage Type 110!? Blue

I've only used cold blue a couple of times to do small parts, don't carred for it. If I have a barrel I don't want to hot blue, I paint it with a good epoxy paint. Normally I'f I'm going to camo the gun, I don't blue the barrel.