The Accurate Reloading Forums
Can the Ruger#3 be casehardened in the traditional method?
07 July 2005, 08:51
lfaganCan the Ruger#3 be casehardened in the traditional method?
I understand that their revolvers cannot be case hardened. Is this true with their single shot rifles?
Thanks,
Len
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.
07 July 2005, 18:55
ACRecurveI've seen several #1's that were color case hardened and they were quite attractive!
Good hunting,
Andy
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08 July 2005, 12:12
Old Elk HunterI 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.
RELOAD - ITS FUN!
08 July 2005, 20:01
El Deguelloquote:
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/
"Bitte, trinks du nicht das Wasser. Dahin haben die Kuhen gesheissen."
08 July 2005, 21:27
ChopperGuyMy 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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09 July 2005, 00:26
lfaganHere 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
09 July 2005, 00:35
El Deguelloquote:
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."
09 July 2005, 02:48
Ian (VA)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?
13 July 2005, 10:12
Old Elk HunterPlease post photos after you get your NO.3 color case hardened. It should look great.
RELOAD - ITS FUN!
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.
ACGG Life Member, since 1985
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.
21 September 2005, 01:32
AK HunterI had my No.1 in 450/400 3" color case hardened. Great look for a classy gun.
21 September 2005, 01:52
powhatan42I'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