Hard chrome over MIM parts?

[Duke426]

Can it be done?

I have a model 64 with bead-blasted finish and would like the hammer and trigger to look more like the rest of the gun.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Duke426]

Can it be done?

I have a model 64 with bead-blasted finish and would like the hammer and trigger to look more like the rest of the gun.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[bountyhunter]

I don't think the fabrication method of the part has nything to do with it, it is the specific formula of steel and the hardening process applied. I don't know if the stainless they use will take chrome directly or have to be plated with something else first. A plater would know all that stuff.


My guess is, just about any steel piece could be chromed if you wanted to work at it. The real problem will be that you are plating the sear faces and it will affect the part's fit and trigger pull. You might want to see if there's anyway the can just plate the areas of the trigger and hammer that show when installed?

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Yes. MIM parts can be electroplated in just about any metal that wrought or forged parts can.

 

[Duke426]

bountyhunter and Wyatt, many thanks!

I hadn't thought about how it might affect the trigger pull. I wonder if plating first and then having the action tuned is a possibility.

I guess the next step is contact some proprieters of aftermarket finishes and discuss the details.

Thanks again!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

The chrome is only .0002 thick, I would do it after and then it will have a hard surface on it.