Re-case hardening

[GBS]

Hi All,

I understand the risks of re-case colour hardening but I have an older gun, with deep cut engraving, that might suit it.

Has anyone done this with good results and that did not look like a tart's breakfast?

Thanks,

GBS

[Salmo9]

Pondered this subject a few years ago myself and if I recall correctly, to get my gun case hardened (B25 Browning) would’ve been circa £600 North without any responsibilities if it all went South. At that time I shelved the notion.. However, I’ve just seen a product that might fit your requirements, assuming you gun is already case hardened but lacks the colours due to age, wear etc..

Steel FX Patinas might just fit the criteria (google it). Might even be able to dab it on in the shed, kitchen, gun room without risk..!! Downside is it’s an American product but they may ship.

Hope this is helpful.. remember if you’ve already got the benefits of ‘case hardening’ but lack the distinctive colouring, this might be the way to go..

[Gunman]

DIY colour hardening is not recommended on a gun you like . Need several practice ties first to get you mix , temperatures and quenching right . Even those who do it regularly dont always get the results they want .

Colours can vary from just dull green/brown to virtually white .

There is also the consideration of the action warping or moving so there can be quite a bit of remedial work or " Freeing" to put it all together and working after.

Have it done professionally would be my honest suggestion . I have had a lot of guns re-hardened and preparation work is often key to a successful outcome ,annealing polishing etc.

I have  seen a fair few that have been done by enthusiastic amatures some not to bad but many ended up being brushed .

[Salmo9]

... I should add that I believe the Steel FX Patina products are water based and applied at room temperature. What isn’t there to like..??

[GBS]

Thanks for the replies. I would only want it done properly with the hope being that it is in line with how the gun looked in 1924.

Salmo, did that cost include everything from handing your gun over to getting it back all finished or just the hardening?

GBS 

[Salmo9]

Can’t really remember to be honest, it was some time ago but I do recall it was a telephone conversation with Castle Gunmakers in your neck of the woods.. For £600 plus I’d expect it to be ‘all inclusive’.. I’d reckon (hope) Castle would outsource the work to St Ledger for that kind of dosh..

[Salmo9]

Should’ve mentioned too, that the works discussed be Castle and I was for ‘case hardening’ not re case hardening.. As gunman stated, no doubt your gun will need annealing to allow polishing etc prior to re case hardening. Prices will reflect this addition work I’m sure..

[GBS]

On 02/11/2022 at 18:49, Salmo9 said:

Can’t really remember to be honest, it was some time ago but I do recall it was a telephone conversation with Castle Gunmakers in your neck of the woods.. For £600 plus I’d expect it to be ‘all inclusive’.. I’d reckon (hope) Castle would outsource the work to St Ledger for that kind of dosh..

 

On 02/11/2022 at 19:08, Salmo9 said:

Should’ve mentioned too, that the works discussed be Castle and I was for ‘case hardening’ not re case hardening.. As gunman stated, no doubt your gun will need annealing to allow polishing etc prior to re case hardening. Prices will reflect this addition work I’m sure..

Thank you, that is an interesting starting point. GBS