....I have posted it here before and gotten hate PM's, but I will post it again. It is an usound engineering and safety move to color case harden Mausers and tool steel. I know people do all the time, but it is still a bad thing to do.
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Where were you about 4 years ago when I got tarred and feathered over on AA for saying the same thing?
If it was original to the gun then with the proper understanding of what the results to the metal will be, I have no problem. In fact I have had it done and most likely will continue to do so with a few very select guns.
However, I have never understood the desire to subject every gun to this process. Yes, a few select custom makers turned out mauser actions with case coloring. However, millions of mausers were produced that were simply blued. I would have to assume that in the case of the custom guns, the makers selected the metals knowing in advance the final processes to be employed.
As for modern guns, I see no reason to case hardened them. Other finishes are available that can add to the aesthetic beauty of the piece.
Pete
