Custom gunsmiths have been heat treating parts since the days of Brown Bess muzzleloaders in the 18th. Century, or before. Using a Brinell hardness tester is not rocket science, and neither is using a rosebud torch and some Kasenit powder. The only places that might need to be tempered are the ends where the bushings ride, and those don't need to be brittle- - - -just surface hardened.
Jerry