If you quench much below the critical temp you will get colors but little to no surface hardness. Opinions vary and some very good craftsmen go this route. I like to have a hard outer skin for several reasons, to inhibit corrosion, to prevent wear on parts that pivot and to preserve engraving. One gentlemen I know gets great colors but little hardness and he feels that the much reduced chance of warping occurring at a lower temp and the softer surface that comes with it is far better than a damaged customer frame. He is a board member here and may comment on this thread. You can find several good threads on the ASSRA and Marlin forums as well. Interesting stuff and with the new digital controlled ovens quite a bit of guess work can be removed from the process. I would like to see some pictures of crucibles people are using as I'm unhappy with mine. I was given them by a friend but I think his design could be improved upon.

Firearms imports, consignments


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