Color Case Hardening Question

[tred1956]

I have acquired a Flatside Contender frame and am considering having it color case hardened. My first thought was Turnbull but they no longer do original Contenders only G-2 and Encores. What I would like to ask is does anyone have personal experience with any other smiths that color case harden? All recommendations or opinions appreciated.

For info Marty at Haus of Arms (who handles Turnbulls TC firearms) says that the reason Turnbull no longer does Original Contenders is that it warps the frame about 50% of the time. While I trust Marty & Turnbull, I have wanted a flatside Contender CCH for a LOOOONG Time LOL

Some smiths advertise lower temperature Color Case Hardening. Maybe I should just leave well enough alone. What do you all think?

Thanks for reading
Doug

 

[Bob Wright]

There are ways to do it cold with chemical applications. I have no experience with it, nor do I know about how durable the finish is.
You might take a look online and search it up.
Case hardening is done at high temp for sure, which is actually carburizing the metal surface. If the part has stress in it, it will cause movement during that process.

 

[Weaver93]

Tyler Gun Works

Tyler Gun Works produces some of the best custom finish work in the United States. Whether we are working for you, the end user, or a major manufacturer, we strive for 100% satisfaction.

www.tylergunworks.com

This fella did a couple levers for me and they were nice. Not sure what method he uses, but you might want to give him a shout. Nice guy and he went out of his way to help me.

 

[tred1956]

Update: Decided it is not worth the risk of warping but THANKS for all the input.