I know there are those that color case harden, and those that color case finish. I've read several articles on color case hardening, but none on color case finishing.

I'm debating having a color case for the bolt shroud and grip cap on my 350 Rigby.

Paul

I went to school for color case hardening a few years back. It was taught by the late John Hackley.

I can only guess that when some one uses the term color case finish they are implying that it is some kind of imitation of the real thing.

I definately recomend you get the real thing and can highly recomend:

Color Case Company
P. O. Box 27 14435 Unity Road
New Springfield, Ohio 44443
216-542-2062 (after 6 pm EST)

They are prompt, reasonable, and their work is beautiful. They will send you a brochure with color pictures.

Paul,

Have been toying with the idea of color case finishing my Pre-64 Mod 70 action. I too would like some information on the color case finishing process. How much does it cost?. How well does it protect the metal?. How durable is it?

Color case finish is done with cyanide and usually to alloy steel. It is fairly fragile and does very little to the physical properties of the steel.

Color case hardening is a heat-treating process that can give considerable hardness if left hot long enough. For the best color it is quenched before much carbon is absorbed. It's also fairly fragile and really not well suited for big parts on a hunting rifle.