Unknown tikka action mod issues…

[AlaskaRed]

I ordered a nitrided action and chambered Ace barrel from UM. What I received sucked and according to Form it looks like they decided to cerakote it instead. My invoice said nitride, and the barrel they also screwed up looked like it had a different finish. Perhaps that got nitrided? According to Blaine they also machined the chamber AFTER nitriding the barrel, which is something no knowledgeable gunsmith would do. Nobody I talked to was willing to touch the chamber with their reamers due to it being nitrided.

I think one would be able to discern the difference between nitriding and cerakote fairly easy with some examination. Cerakote will scratch off if you really want to know for sure. I have a bat action that is nitrided and not very impessed with the treating. Cerakoting just the action seems to workout fine if not just leaving the stainless models alone. I imagine a cerakoted action and bolt would cause some unwanted friction. From my understanding nitride increases surface roughness now add that together when nitriding an action and a bolt.
Nitride FAQ

 

[Coopsdaddy]

I would wonder why the majority of the major action players use nitrited action.
That should tell you what is superior.
Now who does the nitride work is a different story.

 

[nm.otter]

nitride increases surface roughness

...which tells me that following it with a polishing step might be a good idea.