I have an old Stevens 5100 that I am planning on refinishing myself. The guns metal finish is gone and the buttstock on it is not the correct one for this gun. As for the metal I am going to attempt to cold blue the barrels and the receiver but from what I have read the receivers on these old guns may not take blueing. I have read about a process called flame coloring that simulates the look of color case hardened metal. Does anyone here know anything about this process? The gun has no real value so anything I can do to give it a better appearance is an option I'm willing to explore. Another option is to paint the barrel and receiver with gunkote or something similar from Brownell's. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Mthom
Flame Coloring No I just was looking for a way to give the receiver on this shotgun a decent look and read about flame coloring as a way to give it a color case hardened look similar to what it may have looked when factory finished.
Having years of experience with foux color casing, I would strongly advise against doing this. Reasons ---- depending on the amount of heat applied , you will/can upset the crystaline structure of the steel & soften it causing the frane to wear out quickly. Second, it won't wear well & will look like a hack job. FWIW & IMHO
There's "color case hardening" and then there is "case color" The two produce a nearly identical visual effect, but that's where any similarity ends. The Mac brothers in Sturgis, SD can case color a receiver I believe. I don't have their number with me but if you call Dakota Arms and ask I'm sure they will give it to you. They are just down the street less than a block. I may also have this wrong, they may do the color case hardening. (can't remember but I know they do one of them!). While your on the phone with Dakota see if they will tell you who does their case coloring. (just ask for Ward when you call) It's a beautiful finish when done. (just look at their website for photos) This process isn't for someone at home as it involves some fairly nasty stuff. Cyanide, etc. . . Keep the torches put away for sure though, you don't want to go through the tempering colors on an action at any time.
