Letter 26087

Firearm maker wants info on Nitriding/Carbo nitriding  

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I am familiar with the silver "coin finishes" as applied to some high grade shotguns. I understand this is a nitride, or carbo-nitrite finishing process that surface hardens the steel, and offers a good deal of corrosion resistance. It is not a plating. All I have been able to determine is that it is carried out in a nitrogen atmosphere at approximately 900 F. I also know there are companies out there that offer this treatment. With high value shotgun actions, generally highly engraved, I am always reluctant to send them out, let them out of my control, for fear of damage from dropping, etc. My question is, is this process something that can be carried out on a small scale, as I do have small furnaces, and what are the dangers/damage potential? This is an ideal finish for custom firearms as there is no plating involved, which would cover over any gold inlays, and there is no quenching from high temperatures to induce warping. Are there any other references you could suggest?

Dennis Potter
Custom Firearm maker/finisher - Muskego, Wisconsin, USA

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