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Whats up with "case coloring"
rummy
Member Posts: 40 ✭✭
Is it just a cosmetic look or does it have a another practical purpose? been looking at some rifles lately and not sure what it is or if i even like it. Maybe someone can enlighten me on it? Thanx.
Comments
It is possible to case HARDEN without forming case COLORS. If you don't mind a gray surface color.
Yes, it does add something to the process of manufacturing, and the overall beauty of the firearm, when done correctly. If you want to see some real beauty look on here:
http://www.turnbullmfg.com/
This shop is currently one of the best in the world, if not the best, in case coloring. Although, his colors are a bit to brite, and vivid for most purists', when it comes to restorations.
Best
The case-hardening process itself takes a softer low-carbon steel, then hardens the surface by infusing additional carbon and nitrogen. The coloration is basically a side effect. . .though potentially a really nice one!
If you like, its a really "old school" version of the Glock "Tenifer" finish (also called "Melonite" by Smith and Wesson and Walter, and "Nitron" by SIG), which is a modern version of a carbonitrided finish.
Apart from the potentially attractive multi-colored finish, the process has the advantage of being able to create relatively low-cost parts with soft cores but hard (ie wear resistant) exteriors, which can be useful in some applications.
one of my best ever jobs, done it for a customer/friend, i wish that old Colt was mine, i would bet that today that old Colt SAA would be worth $5,000.00 - $8,000.00