Gunsmithing Trigger guards

[LRI]

Have always loved case color.

Were doing this all in house now. Cool stuff.

Link to guard listing

 

[Edds]

Are you using heat or some other method? The reason I'm asking is I have a Defiance Receiver that I wish was that color.

 

[atarrtx]

Wow that looks nice!

 

[LRI]

Are you using heat or some other method? The reason I'm asking is I have a Defiance Receiver that I wish was that color.

I am no expert, but my understanding is this exclusive to carbon steel. Pretty sure you are stuck if running a ss action. Yes, it involves heat. Basically a tub full of bone and wood charcoal and throw it in the oven. Bury the part in it, cook it, and quench in water. Then see how bad your shit warpes. lol.

A great deal of tribal knowledge goes into this kind of stuff. When doing actions you really have to pay attention how you suspend the receiver. You can warp the snot out of one pretty easy if you are not careful.

 

[Edds]

My action is chromoly but I don't think I want it cooked. I have been told there was a process that didn't involve heat. Does Dakota cook theirs?

 

[atarrtx]

I am no expert, but my understanding is this exclusive to carbon steel. Pretty sure you are stuck if running a ss action. Yes, it involves heat. Basically a tub full of bone and wood charcoal and throw it in the oven. Bury the part in it, cook it, and quench in water. Then see how bad your shit warpes. lol.

A great deal of tribal knowledge goes into this kind of stuff. When doing actions you really have to pay attention how you suspend the receiver. You can warp the snot out of one pretty easy if you are not careful.

Glad to see someone doing it the old school way! There are so many chemicals producing simulated case hardened looks these days, which is cool, I just appreciate seeing the real thing! Great work!

 

[flatland1]

A couple of the nicer antique Winchesters in my itty bitty collection still have color casehardening on the lever & hammer. OTOH, my old (1897) 1886 in 40-65 left the factory with the receiver covered in casehardened colors, and there's not a trace of it left. I've been told by other, more knowledgeable collectors that the traditional color casehardened finish is not at all durable, and wears off rather quickly. That's one reason I'm so impressed when I see an '86 with mint, original casehardened finish on the receiver. Either it was never used or carried much, or someone handled it with kid gloves - literally. Doug Turnbull does casehardening for several high-end replica firearms makers, as well as restorations of antique firearms - I'd have to believe that he's a top authority on the process. Whatever, it's a beautiful, unique finish, and done correctly, adds a touch of traditional appearance. Power to you, LRI.

 

[Supersubes]

I am no expert, but my understanding is this exclusive to carbon steel. Pretty sure you are stuck if running a ss action. Yes, it involves heat. Basically a tub full of bone and wood charcoal and throw it in the oven. Bury the part in it, cook it, and quench in water. Then see how bad your shit warpes. lol.

A great deal of tribal knowledge goes into this kind of stuff. When doing actions you really have to pay attention how you suspend the receiver. You can warp the snot out of one pretty easy if you are not careful.

Out of curiosity, how much does the process distort the trigger guards?

 

[LRI]

Out of curiosity, how much does the process distort the trigger guards?

This one didn't. When I designed this thing I added a little more "girth" to the bow cross section in hopes of it not twisting up on me. This one didn't. The way we get the stock helps too.

 

[LRI]

My action is chromoly but I don't think I want it cooked. I have been told there was a process that didn't involve heat. Does Dakota cook theirs?

Dakota doesn't do any CC in house. Its sent out and its oven based, same as ours.

 

[CCGunworksLLC]

If you’re not wanting true CCH and are only trying to obtain the look then a coating specialist that had nailed down the patina look can get you a nice finish.

I do coatings but I have not nailed down the patina look yet but have seen some great art work using the method. The high gloss can get close.