In another recent thread I found out that my new-to-me Colt 1860 Army is, in fact, a 2nd series "F" model. The revolver is used and not that close to Freedom Arms 97 45 Colt in fit and finish and I'm okay with that. While I'll continue to search for another to complete a matched pairing, I was prompted whether anyone had tried to have any revolver nitrided - that is, a firearm having many smaller parts within mechanism. I have no experience with any form of nitriding. Nor do I know anyone who owns and shoots a nitrided gun of any sort to find out what sort of dollars and lag time there is to completing a job. If it's doable and doably reasonably (I have no realistic meaning to "doable" yet), I would love to try it with an Italian 1860 Army. You see, I discovered that 1860's grip-trigger-hammer relationship fits my small and deformed hand much, much better than other single actions except my Freedom Arms 97.
Question about nitriding
- Thread starter Naphtali
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The Kid
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I have sent off several revolvers as well as hundreds of other firearms to be nitrided. There is no more durable finish out there. It is a chemical process and not a coating so if parts fit before they’ll fit afterwards. Look up H&M Metal processing for information and pricing.
sceva
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Nitriding or Nitre bluing?
Nitriding ( in the industry I am retired from) is a hardening process similar to case hardening that gives a very hard wear resistant surface ( but no colors that I know of)
Nitre Bluing is blue used on screw heads and other small parts that gives that bright vivid blue.
Nitriding ( in the industry I am retired from) is a hardening process similar to case hardening that gives a very hard wear resistant surface ( but no colors that I know of)
Nitre Bluing is blue used on screw heads and other small parts that gives that bright vivid blue.
The Kid
Member
Salt bath nitride hardens the surface but also leaves a black finish.
Nitriding or carbon nitride QPQ black nitride on a black powder revolver like your 2nd series Colt 1860 Army or an Italian Pietta Uberti 1860 replica is doable and popular for rust corrosion resistance, especially with black powder fouling Taylor's & Co. even offers a factory Black Rock nitride finish on some 1858 Remingtons and other cap-and ball models for better durability and smoother operation.
For a custom job on your used Colt or an Italian clone
It's common on stainless or blued steel parts full disassembly needed cylinder, barrel, frame, internals like hammer trigger sear springs, then nitride, then reassemble tune.
Shops like H&M Metal Processing, Wright Armory, AB Prototype, or C&H Precision do firearm nitride including small parts some black powder guys send to them or local heat treaters.
Cost $100–$300 total min lot fees $100–$200, plus perpart or full gun charges small internals add up if done separately. Expect $150–$250 for a full revolver job in recent quotes.
Turnaround 3–8 weeks typical shipping both ways adds time some shops 1–2 months.
Pros Matte black satin finish, huge rust resistance 200 hours salt spray, slicker action, less fouling buildup great for your hand fit since the 1860's grip hammer trigger geometry stays the same.
Cons Not reversible easily, might dull original patina on your old Colt if you care about collector value, and internals need proper prep blasting for even coa
For a custom job on your used Colt or an Italian clone
It's common on stainless or blued steel parts full disassembly needed cylinder, barrel, frame, internals like hammer trigger sear springs, then nitride, then reassemble tune.
Shops like H&M Metal Processing, Wright Armory, AB Prototype, or C&H Precision do firearm nitride including small parts some black powder guys send to them or local heat treaters.
Cost $100–$300 total min lot fees $100–$200, plus perpart or full gun charges small internals add up if done separately. Expect $150–$250 for a full revolver job in recent quotes.
Turnaround 3–8 weeks typical shipping both ways adds time some shops 1–2 months.
Pros Matte black satin finish, huge rust resistance 200 hours salt spray, slicker action, less fouling buildup great for your hand fit since the 1860's grip hammer trigger geometry stays the same.
Cons Not reversible easily, might dull original patina on your old Colt if you care about collector value, and internals need proper prep blasting for even coa
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