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Can the Ruger#3 be casehardened in the traditional method?
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I understand that their revolvers cannot be case hardened. Is this true with their single shot rifles?
Thanks,
Len
 
Posts: 11 | Location: VA | Registered: 30 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Are you looking for just decoration ,"color case hardening " ? To do any of this you would have to re heat treat the receiver so you would have to know what alloy is used.It's probably 4130 or 4140.
 
Posts: 7636 | Registered: 10 October 2002Reply With Quote
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I've seen several #1's that were color case hardened and they were quite attractive!


Good hunting,

Andy

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Posts: 6711 | Location: Oklahoma, USA | Registered: 14 March 2001Reply With Quote
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I was told by a metalurgy (sp?) person that it is unwise to case harden a Ruger No. 1 or No. 3
due to concerns about changing the heat treatment of the cast action. I personally wouldn't second guess Ruger's methods or want to risk ruining a nice action. I would strongly suggest contacting Ruger who will probably tell you "don't do it" for liability reasons. They may even give you the straight answer on why or why not. Worth a letter.


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Posts: 1297 | Registered: 29 January 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by lfagan:
I understand that their revolvers cannot be case hardened. Is this true with their single shot rifles?
Thanks, Len


I assume the alloy in the No. 3 receiver is the same as the No.1, and I have seen many a No. 1 that was beautifully color casehardened. BUT, I would not entrust this task to just anyone!! Contact Doug Turnbull....

http://www.turnbullrestoration.com/


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Posts: 4386 | Location: New Woodstock, Madison County, Central NY | Registered: 04 January 2005Reply With Quote
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My hunting partner just rebarreled his No 1A in 350 Rigby. He then sent it to Turnbull and had the full treatment including case coloring, niter blued screws, pins and lever latch, and matte bluing.

Fantastic work and the rifle is super looking now.

El Deguello is right, only trust this kind of work on a No 1 to some one with Turnbull's expertise and experience. You are the one who will be shooting it after the work is done!

Mike


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Posts: 681 | Location: Spring Branch, TX (Summers in Northern MN) | Registered: 18 September 2004Reply With Quote
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Here is a reply from Ruger:"
"Ruger will not color case those models however we know of a few aftermarket companies that do an excellent job. Turnbull Restoration comes to mind. Ruger engineers feel that the metal may become compromised by the process, so the Company has decided not to offer this service."

and here is the reply from Turnbull Restoration:
"Yes it can. All of the Ruger single shot rifle should be able to be color
case hardened."

I'm ready to do it now! The #3 will look great!!
Thanks,
Len
 
Posts: 11 | Location: VA | Registered: 30 December 2003Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by lfagan:
Here is a reply from Ruger:"
"Ruger will not color case those models however we know of a few aftermarket companies that do an excellent job. Turnbull Restoration comes to mind. Ruger engineers feel that the metal may become compromised by the process, so the Company has decided not to offer this service."

and here is the reply from Turnbull Restoration:
"Yes it can. All of the Ruger single shot rifle should be able to be color
case hardened."

I'm ready to do it now! The #3 will look great!!
Thanks,
Len


Please post pictures when done!!


"Bitte, trinks du nicht das Wasser. Dahin haben die Kuhen gesheissen."
 
Posts: 4386 | Location: New Woodstock, Madison County, Central NY | Registered: 04 January 2005Reply With Quote
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I was just about set to send my #3 action out to Eabco (E. Arthur Brown) to get his "french grey" finish (a bead-blasted hard chrome I believe). But you've just changed my mind! Turnbull didn't mention a lead time, did he?
 
Posts: 215 | Location: Northern VA | Registered: 14 June 2005Reply With Quote
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Please post photos after you get your NO.3 color case hardened. It should look great.


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Posts: 1297 | Registered: 29 January 2005Reply With Quote
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Ruger is cast 4140 - way too much carbon for heating to critical and quenching. Folks are doing it, and Turnbull does my color hardening, but it really isn't a very good idea if one understands basic metalurgy.


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Posts: 1844 | Registered: 07 February 2005Reply With Quote
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4140 ,too much carbon ??? 4140 is the typical chrome-moly steel of the gun industry .It can be heat treated easily to get various properties .The problem is that the receiver has been heat treated and finished. To re HT as you will do in color case hardening you risk warping the receiver so have it done by someone who is experienced.
 
Posts: 7636 | Registered: 10 October 2002Reply With Quote
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I had my No.1 in 450/400 3" color case hardened. Great look for a classy gun.
 
Posts: 224 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 13 August 2005Reply With Quote
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I've got a Ruger#1 45-70 color-case Hardened custom stock etc. never had a problem! If it was not safe, I know my gunsmith would not have filled my request! It does take some time to build these guns.

The gun looks great, just make sure it is well lubed after each time afield! The color case does not like rain & snow.

Glenn
 
Posts: 39 | Location: Long Island, New York | Registered: 13 January 2005Reply With Quote
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