Ruger reblue?

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FoghornLeghorn

New member
I'm in the market for an old model Ruger single action, the older "four click" variety.

Question. If I were to score one in need of a reblue, is it possible to have the job done without the loading gate coming out purple?

Also, if I were to completely disassemble the gun and ship only the barrel, frame, cylinder and loading gate to Ruger, would they still reblue it?

I wouldn't want them to arbitrarily replace the internals with their "safe" version lockwork.
 
Sorry that I can't answer yor questionss, but if I were to have an older Ruger like that reblued, I'd go all-out and have the frame color case-hardened.
 
FoghornLeghorn said, "I say, boy....
Excellent idea. I wonder, if a shop is set up to reblue, is it safe to assume they also do color case-hardening?
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No. The color case is a highly specialized process. You need to contact Doug Turnbull or Dave Clements. The re-bluing will be an even color.

Here is an old Flat Top worked over by Dave Clements:

100_9995.jpg


Grips are mesquite by Cary Chapman.

I know it is the most logical thing to do, but I have sort of a phobia about returning a gun to Ruger. I prefer to deal with my local gunsmith, Keith Warner, or send the gun to Dave Clements. A local gunsmith will save you about $70 in shipping charges.

Bob Wright
 
You can't send it to Ruger like that. Send them a partial gun and they will make it whole at your expense. Send them a complete gun and they will do their transfer bar conversion. I would also suggest using a refinishing specialist like Ford's, Accurate Plating & Weaponry or Turnbull. Turnbull actually has a very reasonable Ruger refinishing service consisting of their famous color case hardening of the frame and gate, as well as the hammer and trigger if you so choose.
 
And another thing.........

The grip frame and ejector rod housing are aluminum. I prefer to replace these with steel parts. The grip frame from an Old Army will work, but requires a wide trigger. A New Model can be fitted, and a trigger is available from Dave Clements to adapt the New Model grip frame to an Old Model.

Bob Wright
 
...I know it is the most logical thing to do, but I have sort of a phobia about returning a gun to Ruger...
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If I had a three-screw, it would never to back to Ruger; their policy used to be, and still may be, to replace the original parts with an "upgrade" to a transfer bar system as in the later models. Even though they will return the original parts, the parts will likely be lost. How many converted three-screws have you seen in display cases that still have the original parts with them? For Ruger collector's sake, do not send the fine three-screws to Ruger to be converted. It is a travesty.
 
No, Sir. It's a .357 Magnum.
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You had my heart thumping for a minute. The shells looked to be 44 cal, and I've been looking for one of the old flat top Super Blackhawks that had the barrel shortened, such as was popular back in the day.

I was going to see if you take a blind in one eye watch dog in partial trade.
 
Old guns with the blue worn off is called "patina" -- I have a 1958 vintage Winchester Mod. 94 -- mechanically solid, but silvery grey, w/ some honest nicks/scratches on the furniture.

It's GORGEOUS just the way it is. Refinishing most guns brings their value down. If you can find an older Ruger, just leave it the way you find it. Refinish is a mistake.
 
Foghorn Leghorn: You had my heart thumping for a minute. The shells looked to be 44 cal, and I've been looking for one of the old flat top Super Blackhawks that had the barrel shortened, such as was popular back in the day.

I was going to see if you take a blind in one eye watch dog in partial trade.
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The Super Blackhawk was never a Flat Top, the ribs atop the frame originated with the Super Blackhawk. The Flat Top .44 Magnum was just a Blackhawk.

Just for your pleasure, here is my 5" Super Blackhawk:

101_0005.jpg


And, no. No dogs taken in trade, regardless of their eyesight.

Bob Wright
 
Magnum Wheel Man wrote:
Call Ford's refinishing ( my understanding, they are the best in the business )
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I just wanted to say that I just checked out their website and I bookmarked it.. the work shown, especially the "Master Bluing", really looked top-notch. If I ever find a gun on the cheap that is a little rough around the edges, I will have to remember that site. Even though I wasn't looking for that type of service, I want to thank your for bringing them to our attention.
 
Bob's .357 is exactly the gun I had in mind when I mentioned case-hardening. I'd rather have that gun, or his beautiful Super Blackhawk, than any Colt New Frontier.
 
The gate will blue if you leave it in the solution long enough. How long? Until it's blue.
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The question was likely asked because some of Ruger's early single action loading gates came from the factory with a "purple", rather than blue loading gate. It suggests that Ruger themselves were having trouble getting the gates to take blue. This was discussed at length years ago.
 
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