doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Color Case hardening

I have a LC Smith Skeet Special that has had the frame nickel plated. I am looking for some one who can de nickel the frame and anneal it and return it so I can polish the frame and re engrave it then return it when I'm done and have it color case hardened. I had used a firm in I believe Illinois but was not able to find them in google. Any suggestions as to who may be able to help me? Thanks, Don Hansen.

Are you looking for:

John Gillette
Classic Guns
http://www.classicgunsinc.com/
1702 Dixie Hwy.
Crete IL 60417 United States
708-367-1620
Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m - 5 p.m.
classicguns@clear.net

He comes highly recommended for case coloring. I'm not sure about removing the nickel but any plating shop should be able to do that for you.

Are you sure its nickel plated?

I've seen a number of LCs that looked to be nickel plated, but were really just the casehardened layer. That's what my two look like.

Drew, There was a thread on the Shooting Sportsman board a year or so ago. I member there claims LC Smith nickle plated some actions. I don't know if this is true or not, but it might be worth checking out.
terc

Don, Classic did a great job for me on a Lefever 16 ga.

Thank you terc.
A gentleman who frequents that Forum has an agenda and odd, but firmly held opinions regarding Smith guns. DavidW, who is the LCSCA Journal Editor and Technical Advisor, usually keeps him in line.
I have seen a 1948 Hunter Arms Repair List which lists Blue, Recase, and 'Hunterize' only.
Until Dr Jim finds record in the remaining shipping ledgers documenting a nickel plated Smith, there will be no definitive answer.

I saw a sample 20gauge, L.C. at Classic it was remarkable. A great inviting group of guys. The owner was a lefty, and so was the L.C.

I once saw a .22LR Colt Wodsman & a 9mm P08 (Luger) which had both been nickle plated (Aftermarket). Either the bores had not been properly protected in the process or had not been neutralized afterward & both were ruined. Twas a Crying Shame. I hope this LC has faired better.

Thanks guys, It was John Gillette at Classic Guns. John color case hardened a 16 gauge Smith for me several years ago after I did the prep work. He did a wonderful job. And yes, the action and trigger guard on this gun have definitly been nickel plated, but not before receiving a real good buffing! After getting it de plated I plan on sending it out to be annealed. I'll then be able to polish and re engrave the frame. It will be a big job, but the gun deserves better. Thanks again, Don Hansen.