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Old 08-11-2020, 07:52 PM
cougar14 cougar14 is offline
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I saw the new Winchester Model 94 with the fancy stock and case hardened finish and want to have that finish done to my old 94. Anyone know who could do a really nice job? TIA!!!
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Old 08-11-2020, 07:54 PM
Bro. Dave Bro. Dave is offline
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Check out Doug Turnbull restorations.
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Old 08-11-2020, 07:58 PM
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Be aware that some of the Post-1964 M94s used a different steel alloy for the frame that may cause problems. A good case hardening job will not be cheap. Some torch artists can do a pretty good job of simulating a case-hardened finish. If the gun you want to finish is a pre-64 model, you should be aware that doing anything to the receiver finish will destroy any collectible value instantly.
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Old 08-13-2020, 07:09 AM
Lonegle57 Lonegle57 is offline
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You can talk to Keith Kilby at Wyoming Armory in Cody Wy. Have known him since college. He can give you insight into case color hardening your rifle. He does excellent work. Sometimes comes across as a little gruff but knows his stuff and is a great rifle builder as well as an ABS mastersmith.
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Old 08-13-2020, 06:55 PM
jrm53 jrm53 is offline
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A gunsmith friend showed me how to do fake color case hardning he used tinture of benzoin and painted what he wanted to color, a couple of coats and let it dry, took his torch with a very fine flame and quickly moved it until he was pleased with his work. It looked very good but he said to varnish over it as it was not very durable. I have used it on a martini lever that I had buffed to a high polish it looked like the real deal. Jeff
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Old 08-13-2020, 07:00 PM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
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Take your pick of the several purveyors offering color case hardening these days.
Just be aware that there are 2 general costs involved.
The actual color case hardening is one. That usually runs around $350 (+) for a medium size frame L/A rifle.

Most of the time the prices you see quoted will be for parts being stripped/disassembled & pre-polished,,ready to be CCH.

The other cost you have to figure in is the disassembly,,the polishing necessary to get the metal parts up to standards for the CCH. Then the reassembly of the action.
Removing the bbl and re-installing it is involved,,no small matter as it involves using a bbl vise and action wrench, ect.
They're not going to do any of these operations for nothing. They do add up quickly.
Finally,,add shipping & insurance both ways.

These secondary expenses are not always plainly noted and you have to call for rough guesstimates or sometimes send the gun to them for same.

It can get close to $1000 for a decent job when it's all over.

If you can do all the 'prep work' yourself (disassembly, polishing, bbl removal, ect) and just send them the stripped parts that need to be CCHardened,,it's much cheaper,,and the shops appreciate that as they can quickly turn it around.
Your cost will just be the quoted CCH price and shipping/ins both ways for the smaller package containing just the stripped frame, lever, ect for work.
You put it all back together when it comes back home.
They always guarantee 'absolutely no warping' but having worked in that sector for many years I can tell you that's a fantasy.
Parts do warp occasionally. Most can be straighten back. Warpage is controlled quite well by most of the 'smiths. But there are no absolutes.
One secret if it can be called that to avoiding warpage is to minimize the hardening. Seems counter productive to what the process is supposed to be providing,,surface hardness.

But todays gun owners are in love with those swirly colors,,not much interested in the 'case hardening' part of the process.
So some of the work is done with no hardness imparted at all.
...Spiffy colors though!

Good Luck.

Turnbull will be the most expensive you can almost guarantee that.

RGS Restorations (Ron's Gun Shop) has always had a good reputation
RGS Restorations. Antique Gun Restoration, Gun Bluing and Custom Gun Blueing Services

Plenty more shops listed by Mr. Google.
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Old 08-13-2020, 09:11 PM
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A nationally known gunsmith with whom I am acquainted summers here. I asked him about having the case hardening redone on a classic shotgun. He cautioned me that regardless of how skilled a gunsmith one may use to do the work, there is always the potential of warping the frame during the process.
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Old 08-14-2020, 10:49 AM
uncleted327 uncleted327 is offline
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Definitely Doug Turnbull. Ruger goes to him for their special edition case coloring. Other manufacturers do too.
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