Refinishing a Ruger Blackhawk

[Alex Johnson]

There is a pretty good deal on a Ruger Blackhawk down at a local gunstore in town, but the finish on it is pretty much shot. I've been considering buying it to refinish, I realize that the triggerguard and backstrap are both aluminum, I would replace these with aftermarket steel parts, but what kind of steel does Ruger make it's frames out of? I'm thinking of doing a rust blue on it, but I'm not anxious of having any surprises after I start the process, so if anybody has any insights into this work I'd appreciate the information. Thanks.

 

[4 Eyed Six Shooter]

Alex, Your blackhawk will rust blue just fine. Be sure not to polish to more than a 240 grit or the rust blue will not take well.
I would hand polish using a block on the flat surfaces so as not to round the corners. I have had good luck using Scotchbrite pads for the final polish. The ejector rod housing is aluminum also.
It should look great when done.

 

[Alex Johnson]

Thanks for the information, I forgot the ejector housing was also aluminum. I went down to purchase the blackhawk today but somebody beat me to it. There's still a couple of pretty good deals on Rugers in the area, but I'll probably wait awhile. Sounds like I would have to drop about $150 dollars to get the replacement steel parts to build it. Besides I have an 1858 Remington I bought awhile ago that I intend to reblue with the rust blue, thanks again.