I do think for the sake of accuracy we need to make a positive & Very Distinct difference between this method & a "Torch Job". The method of heating with this process is totally irrelavant, it can be done with a torch, in a warming oven, even a pan of hot water. The coloring is done by the reaction of the chemical on the warm metal. As to it's desirability, everyone can make their own choices, one can chose to like it or lump it at their own discretion. The thing to keep in mind is the gun itself has not been physically damaged, only it's appearence changed.
A "Torch Job" is when some "Idiot" sticks the very hot tip of a torch to various "Spots" on a part until it is heated enough for that spot to take on a temper color, thus producing a Smorgasboard of varying hardness throught the piece. I seriously doubt an Ithaca Gunsmith recommended this procedure for a gun frame, but if he did, even if he had an engineering degree from MIT I would still call him an "Idiot".
