My next question, blued or stainless >>

wheelguns are much better looking in stainless or hard chrome, imo. what do you prefer?

stainless always seemed more showy, vs blued being more of a work/user gun. if it helps, in about 2 months, i'll be buying stainless single six if my wallet lets me, blued if the price is too good to refuse.

get both

Stainless steel guns always remind me of the cheap pot metal cap-gun I had back in the fifties. I guess it’s a hang up but I think that a blued revolver just looks more authentic. And I passed up the Vaquero and purchased a Blackhawk because I can’t stand the fake color case hardening they put on the Vaquero.

With those engravings and such, blued just looks like the better option. Dunno why.

There's just some guns that look better in stainless, and some that look better blued. That one looks better blued.

Blued or Stainless? That's such a personal thing. You'll have to make that decision based on your inner preferences.

If it's really up for a vote ... lemme cast my vote for blued. I think that particular gun looks waay better in blue than in stainless. But I admit, I feel that way about most guns whether they be revolvers, shotguns or rifles. Stainless in a semi-auto pistol does hold some appeal.

Get that gun in blue and put some ivory or stag grips on it. It'd sure be purdy.

Stainless guns will keep their value better, I think, plus blue succumbs to holster wear very quickly. Of course, some people like blued guns that have holster wear. I don't. I despise rust and despite my having kept a Beretta 70S well cared for, a spot of rust formed on the side. I got to it before it became a problem, but I just don't much care for blued.

Starting bid on e-bay: $19.99



Mattel Fanner 50 cap gun

Blueing = Classic & Classy

Bright = Showy & Eye catching

Even though the bright finishes, stainless, nickle, inox, etc. are showy, they are also very practical.

Even though the blued finishes are classic, they can be made to look very eye catching with a little attention. Grips alone can do it.

You're personal taste. I like both.

I think the stainless has a good chance of lasting 275 years with proper care. The blued will conk out after 245 years. The choice is clear.

The stainless is a little flashy, but I like that, so I picked stainless. Now I'm just trying to justifty getting stag grips for it. (ok, elk antler grips because they're cheaper)

-MV

On that particular gun, from the photos, to my eye the blued looks better. If, however, the gun is to be carried, handled and shot a lot, bluing is more subject to finish wear. As well, the type of steel amenable to bluing is more prone to rusting than stainless -- but only if neglected. It is easier to clean off burn rings and lead buildup from the front of the cylinder on a stainless by using an abrasive cloth, otherwise there is little difference in cleaning ease and methods. The bottom line is that stainless is preferable for a "working" gun, while blue is fine for lighter use. Put another way, blue for show, stainless for go.

I like the blue. But my opinion is not the important one. You will be the proud owner.

Generally speaking, I prefer stainless. But in this case, I rank them as follows:

1. Ruger Bearcat, blued
2. Mattel Fanner 50 cap gun
3. Ruger Bearcat, stainless ... this gun just doesn't look right. #2 looks much more serious. Honest!

When Smith came uot with the model 60 I thought it was pretty ugly. I wanted no part of stainless, I was a traditionalist. Over the years I have become a pragmatist and it's about 50/50 now. Essex

For newer wheelguns, I like stainless. Today's guns aren't blue like the more vintage guns. Today's seem more black and almost cheap vs. yester-year's rich blue finishes....IMO, YMMV

Blued-with the addition of ivory or antler grips.

To me a blued revolver that has been used but well cared for has "character". A stainless revolver that has been used, simply looks "used".

Blued revolvers with honest use keep their value as well as the stainless revolvers IMO.

Either would be a good choice. You should make your own decision. What "we" say is obviously our own personal bias.

Don

I'll be more practical than most. All of the Rugers I have bought over the last four or so years have had burrs and toolmarks. Heck, even the 50th Anniv FT BH on AR's front cover was blued over a poorly finished frame - look at the grind marks! For that, give me SS - I can polish it out, then dull it as required with UF ScotchBrite. It is simply more environmentally friendly, too.

Of course, it should be your decision!

Stainz

I like Rugers in SS and S&Ws in blue. I don't think S&W SS looks all that great and same goes for Ruger's blued guns.