Ruger Vaquero color case finish

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Indyjoe

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I aquired a Vaquero CCH/B made in 1993. I really love the gun and I am doing the spring mod and free spin pawl,
steel ejector housing, maybe grips. The bluing is in excellent cond.
The color case (fake) finish on the frame has left the building. :(
My question is,...does Ruger refinish the frame with their color case method for free or is it a nominal fee they charge?

I have emailed them 3 times with no response. Anyone shipped their Vaquero back to refinish the frame?

Thanks! ;)
 
Thanks for the info. I will keep that in mind. I know Turnbulls CC looks amazing,...just didn't want spend that much on this old Ruger.
Still want to hear what Ruger charges.

thanks! :D
 
The "color case hardening" on the Ruger is NOT real color casing.
It's some type of coated finish that looks like color casing.
Ruger went this way to hold costs down.

I don't know what Ruger charges for a refinish, but I'm sure they will.
The only problem is, I don't know if they can re-apply the frame finish without having to remove the barrel.
Try calling customer service during business hours.
 
Right! I know it is a chemical process they use. I thought I read somewhere that they refinished the CC for free as so many were complaining about it wearing off.

I agree with you as, I am sure they would charge for the service. May have to remove barrel and such.

thnx! :D
 
They will also do a full blue job on it if you request but there ain't no substitute for the real thang!

P1010029.JPG
 
Now that is one BEAUTIFUL revolver!!! :D

Yep, can't beat the real thing. For now I just want my little Ruger to look better. I will get into the real deals
down the road. Great looking gun you have there!!

;)
 
I have a Vaquero that started out with their faux CC. Everytime I handled the gun, I made sure I wiped it down before returing it to the safe. Still, the purple colors in the color case finish developed surface rust. Wiped off with no pitting but the purple colors wiped off as well. Made me sick to look at it. One of the reasons I picked this particular gun out of about a half dozen available was the vibrant purple colors in the finish. Everybody said to just send it back and have the finish reapplied. I didn't want to have the same crappy finish reapplied just so that it could happen again. I looked into Bowen's real color case and it's nice, but I don't want to spend $200 (plus shipping) making a $300 gun look right. So I had a local guy just reblue the whole damned thing. Cost less than $100 and I've got a much more durable finish for a functional gun. I'll buy something later that has the real color case.

If you decide to send the gun back to Ruger, make sure you do it before you modifiy any existing parts or put custom parts on it. They'll bring it back to factory spec condition and charge you for the priviledge of removing your custom parts and undoing any gunsmithing you might have had done. Don't you love it.:rolleyes:
 
Contacted Ruger and they said the price to recase-color
the frame is $130 +$30 for shipping.

Guess I can live with it as is. ;)
 
A guy on www.cascity.com lightly antiqued his Vaquero. It actually looks better antiqued than with the cheesy chemical case-coloring. It's a low cost option -- you can do it yourself. Most readers are probably recoiling at this. But if you crave a fantasy Old West gun, it's a viable option.

vaq.jpg
 
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Yes, that is an option. Not for everyone as you stated, as most I believe like the nice looking contrast of blue / CC on their guns. But real guns of the old west will have that antique look. I opt for a CC / blued gun but I can understand some pining for that antique look. :D
 
i am looking to buy a vaquero for sass, but the factory black finish is UGLY

Hey, guys. I was thinking about buying the stainless finish, since I don't like the cheesy black factory finish. It looks painted on to me. I love the colors in the uberti case hardened guns. Can I have the stainless guns finished like the uberti, or must I buy the cheesy finished guns and have them stripped and refinished. Vaquero's are not cheap, so I want a durable, beautiful gun. I love in North Georgia, can anyone recommend someone to quality refinish a vaquero?
Thanks!
 
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