Ken, I have not tried bead blasting and avoid items with rust problems...I am working from the approach of an engraver which leads me to Craig's comment. I have only done the prep with the intent to engrave the item and without toning down the case hardened surface engraving is very problematic to totally not doable. Like trying to cut glass with a graver. None of this is directed to modern metal firearms that are through hardened...those I either cut as is or turn down the job. Some of the stainless guns can be very very difficult or impossible to cut.
Most of the engravers who have commented on annealing cch parts say temps in the 500 to 900 degree range are all that is necessary and coating with something like Brownell's pbc scale preventer works well.
