Can anyone tell me if it safe to niter blue a S&W 44 mag. revolver barrel and cylinder. The temperature would be under 650 deg. fer.


Jerry Huddleston
10/5/2007 6:32:51 PM

Hi Jerry.
I would not do it.
The 600 plus degrees of heat could change the strength on these parts.
Lets hear from some others with more gunsmithing knowledge.
Rex is pretty sharp in that department as well as engraving.
Best regards, John.

John Barraclough
10/5/2007 7:58:20 PM

I can't give you an answer on this. I've always left any tempering issues with someone with good knowledge. My gut feeling is not to do it but I'm no expert.

Rex Pedersen
10/6/2007 8:11:06 AM

No, as said niter blueing is a heat treat process, and to use this to decorate any component that is designed to resist or contain the pressures generated in the discharge of the firearm would be a trememdous liability... niter blueing is a wonderful technique used to decorate non critical screws/pins and to heat treat and decorate flat springs.

Jim Burns
10/8/2007 11:24:18 AM