Case Color Removal

[NJdblgun]

Is there a safe way to remove "case colors" that were induced with a torch? Without the risk of wearing/removing the engraving? I thought that Nevr-Dull (blue can, cloth soaked in solvent) may work, but havent tried anything as yet. Thanks

[james-l]

The color produced by a torch is the same as case color and only an oxidation process. Blue remover, CLR, toilet bowl cleaner will remove it, I use CLR to remove old blue, just don't let it sit in it too long.

Jim A.

[Twice Barrel]

The safest way to remove torched colors is to start all over and anneal the messed with parts and have them re-cased. Fox guns built before the mid 1920s were bone and charcoal cased while guns built later were case color/hardened using the Cyanide dip method. The process of annealing the parts will remove the torched colors so no other treatment is required.

[NJdblgun]

Thanks for the replies. The gun in question is a 1913-1912 graded Fox. I'm hesitant to anneal and re-harden/re-case. The cost is prohibitive, but the steel in the receiver/action changing shape and configuration during the process(s) is the most concern. Why would someone use a torch on a fine, but worn gun, with historical interest and value?

[Twice Barrel]

If you have a reputable smith do the work such as Turnbull, Classic Guns or Ohio Color Case Co. they will block the receiver, trigger plate and forend iron to avoid warping. A simple anneal and re-case is not that expensive if there is not a lot of polishing or re-cutting of engraving involved.

As far as why someone would torch a gun well a phrase P. T. Barnum coined comes to mind.