Does anyone know if the case coloring on the modern production Model 40's is actually a hardening process, or if it's just a painted on finish like Ruger puts on their revolvers? Also, I heard a rumor that Doug Turnbull had done some case coloring for S&W in the past. Was that only for custom shop pieces, or standard production runs, such as the Model 40 that I'm looking to buy?
Model 40 Case Coloring
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Can't help you on the new models. Turnbull did, in fact, do the Heritage line which were made in the 2000 timeframe. Neat guns, very unusual and quality finish. I have not heard anything definitive on the newer guns as to who or how this finish is applied, sorry.
I've got a 40-1 with the color case hardening. It looks real and I was under the impression that Turnbull was doing all the color case hardening for S&W. If it isn't real please let me know. I've also got the 40-1 in nickel, plain steel and an airweight 42-1.
I just heard back from S&W. It is a actual Case Hardened finish. They weren't sure if Doug did the CC, but they did say it was done "in house." Turnbull seems pretty busy to be CC frames for S&W "in house" (my model 40 was made in November 2009).
Loco Weed, how well does the side plate fit on you CC Model 40? Mine fits nicely except at the top. It's NIB from S&W, so it's not as if the plate was removed incorrectly. I'm just wondering if I should send it back in to them? There's also burrs on the cylinder lock grooves, and what looks like some serious chatter marks in front of the forcing cone. I'm hoping it's just fouling and it'll clean out with some Hopps. If not it's going back for sure!
Check under the left stock. Turnbull marked the Heritiage series guns that he color case hardened.
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I'm pretty sure the case hardening is real. The Heritage Model 10's were done by Turnbull and they had a clear coating to make them really shine and last. But I remember hearing that the coating on those Heritage models was just for show and it would come off with most gun cleaning fluids. Just the coating though, not the case hardening. It will always look great unless the gun is used and carried for the next 100 years!
As much as I love my nickel Model 40-1, sometimes I wish I had the case hardened version! They're just gorgeous!
S&W Model 40 Centennial | Tactical Response Magazine
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