How does Uberti case harden their firearms?

[stuck_in_73]

I was just wondering how Uberti case hardens their receivers on their firearms? I seen a video from midwayusa and seen how Larry Potterfield does it (cooks steel in charcoal then drops in water). Just curious.

[Major 2]

Hot Nitrate salts I believe,  there is a Video for the pistols.

[Virginia Gentleman]

Yes, they use hot nitre bluing salts and stripe the frames with a clay like compound to get a simulated case color effect.  I have used molten nitre bluing salts with a red clay wash on them for a similar effect.  It ruins the salts though and you can only use them once. Real bone and charcoal case coloring is a different effect and is more brilliant with nicer colors and can be had on the 3rd gen Colts and the premium import with the US Finish like Cimarron.

[Cliff Fendley]

I've noticed the standard coloring Uberti uses seems to rub off pretty easy with much use. My guns that get shot most has the case coloring areas almost grey now. Especially the revolvers.

I love the US finish but it is a fairly expensive upgrade. The last rifle I ordered with a blued receiver. I prefer that over the salt bath fake looking case coloring.

[jimbobborg]

It's not really case hardening since the process they use is a chemical one and doesn't strengthen the steel.  Bone and charcoal actually does something to the steel.  Chemical processes wear off, real case hardening colors don't.

[KirkD]

The real bone and charcoal case colours will still wear off much faster than blueing. To protect them a coat of lacquer can be applied. I have original Winchesters, some with still a bit of case colours on them. I use Conservator's wax to keep a protective layer on the case colouring to prevent further wear and oxidation.

[Blair]

All forms of "color" case hardening can and do fade with time. (including those with proper care and maintenance of the same)
This fading of the "colors" dose not, however, mean there is a reduction in the additional wear capability of the intended hardening process nor the reason for doing it. (which is to extend the wear capabilities of the metal being used to make the firearm)
The "colorizing" part of color case hardening is meant to make the firearm more attractive. Like nickel and/or silver plating. Both of which can wear and/or flake or peal off with time.
My best,
Blair

[cal44walker]

99.99% sure that they are potassium cyanide salts to case harden.

http://metals.about.com/library/bldef-Cyanide-Hardening.htm

[Blair]

cal44 walker,

I would say that you are 99.99% correct.

But then let us look at the brass framed Henry and 1866 leaver guns?
They have no hardening... let alone any colors added to the frames.
The hardening will all be on the inside parts. One can not see these so why add or due them in the colors?
My best,
Blair

[Abilene]

Uberti does not use clay on the frames to get colors.  They do it as seen in the video link posted by Major 2 (that video has some narration errors but is still fairly informative).  A good source (who visits the factory annually) told me some years ago that that they were not paying attention to the water temperature and were letting it heat up too much which reduced the colors from the quenching (which is why some of the frames are mostly gray).  In recent years the colors are better, but of course still not as colorful nor durable as the traditional (and more costly) bone meal charcoal method.

[stuck_in_73]

Uberti does not use clay on the frames to get colors.  They do it as seen in the video link posted by Major 2 (that video has some narration errors but is still fairly informative).  A good source (who visits the factory annually) told me some years ago that that they were not paying attention to the water temperature and were letting it heat up too much which reduced the colors from the quenching (which is why some of the frames are mostly gray).  In recent years the colors are better, but of course still not as colorful nor durable as the traditional (and more costly) bone meal charcoal method.

I was wondering why some weren't as vibrant as others and grey. So does the colors go away after time because if the way Uberti hardens their receivers? Here is one located in Osage beach,MO that imho isn't that attractive and was way overpriced. I believe it was imported by Stoeger.  I'm glad I went with the one in the last picture, I get it in Monday!!!

[Abilene]

With normal usage Uberti's colors should last a good while.   My oldest Uberti '73 is 17 years old and is still beautiful.  Ballistol is about the only chemical it has been cleaned with.  The other '73 that you pictured is fairly typical of an average Uberti.  The sideplates are case hardened separately and very often do not match the receiver colors too well.  Yours is particularly nice and matches the receiver well.  I myself choose guns more on nice wood than nice colors, but having both is the best!   

[stuck_in_73]

With normal usage Uberti's colors should last a good while.   My oldest Uberti '73 is 17 years old and is still beautiful.  Ballistol is about the only chemical it has been cleaned with.  The other '73 that you pictured is fairly typical of an average Uberti.  The sideplates are case hardened separately and very often do not match the receiver colors too well.  Yours is particularly nice and matches the receiver well.  I myself choose guns more on nice wood than nice colors, but having both is the best!   

Now I can't stop here. Lol. Here is the stock and fore grip. Is this decent wood on this uberti? I know it's just from a picture and without holding it but I just don't know.  Thanks. Sorry, I know I've already posted these already.

[stuck_in_73]

Also what is Ballistol and where can I acquire some? Sorry for all the questions. I like to keep my guns clean. Also I want to dis assemble my rifle and I'm installing whisper springs with main spring and after market safety spring. Can I polish the toggle links  and where metal on metal meet with mothers mag polish. I don't want to tarnish my new rifle with using the wrong stuff.