Color Case Hardening Care

[tkcomer]

I'm thinking of buying an 1873 Uberti rifle with the color case hardening look. Do you need any special cleaners to clean off the outside of the gun? How durable is the finish of this type of gun? Do they rust quicker than a traditional blue gun? I love the look, but not sure of how to care for such a gun. It will be a shooter if I get it, so I want to know how to keep it good looking. Thanks for any replies.

 

[oneounceload]

The durability depends on how the finish was applied - is it a basic chemical version or the real bone-charcoal case coloring from the likes of someone like Doug Turnbull?

The finish is somewhat fragile, many places use a lacquer applied over the top. A simple wipe with a good oil should suffice for cleaning and protection - just realize that handling in that area will speed up the wear. (Look at many old shotguns where folks have carried them to see what I mean)

 

[tkcomer]

I don't know what process Uberti uses. And I know what you mean by the finish being gone on the old guns. Trying to prevent that.

 

[Uncle Mike]

You do not need to do anything special. Clean with something like Mil-Comm weapons cleaner and apply a lite coat of oil like Brownells Polar Active oil.

 

[dfariswheel]

Uberti uses real color case hardening on the rifles and most pistols.
A simple wipe down with a good lube is all that's needed, but remember that color casing is not a very durable finish and wears easily.

There does seem to be two levels of Uberti color case hardening.
The lower level is most often seen on pistols, but I have seen it on rifles.
The lower level finish has a gray base color with sparse blackish mottling.

The higher level looks very much like Colt colors. The base color is a brownish color with brilliant and dense bright blues and greens.
The difference is startling and very apparent. For this reason, I recommend buying the rifle direct from Uberti or a top end importer like Cimarron.
You tend to get the better colors from them.

 

[tkcomer]

Thanks for the info. I'm torn between the 357, which I load for, or the 45 Colt. I like the 45 Colt, but hate the idea of starting all over in a new caliber.

 

[Horsemany]

Color case hardening will also fade in sunlight. Not a big deal unless you keep it in a display case near a window.

 

[tkcomer]

Didn't know that one. The gun will be kept in a safe when not in use.

 

[CraigC]

Treat it like bluing, corrosion resistance is slightly less but much better than unfinished steel. Keep a light film of oil on it.

I've heard several different stories on Uberti's case coloring. Some say it is the real thing, just the result of slightly different process than that used by Colt or Turnbull, which results in much less vibrant colors. Which is what it looks like. Others say it's an applied finish. All I know is that the steel is easy to drill and file.

 

[rcmodel]

The bright case colors are going to fade away over time, no matter what you do.

It's just the nature of the beast.

rc

 

[tkcomer]

Jeeze, I hate that. Those '73 Uberti's are such pretty guns.

 

[Dave B]

You will love a 357mag rifle.

 

[tkcomer]

I have two Rossi 92s in 357 and 44 magnum that I love to shoot. Wife loves them too. Kinda want a "classy" gun. I'm looking at a Uberti/Cimmarron Texas Brush Popper. The one with the pistol grip stock is just beautiful to me.