A Unique Finish (To Me) on an SP101

[Minute_Of_Torso]

A trip to a local dealer today provided me with what is to me a unique Ruger SP101. The dealer told me it was a special finish on a normal stainless SP101 and that it was especially durable in saltwater environments. Since I was looking for an SP101 anyway, and the price was right, I purchased it and then did some research on the Ruger website. It's a Lipsey's Firearms Special Edition SP101 with what is advertised as "Target Grey" or "Low Glare" Stainless. As advertised on the Lipsey's site, it comes in a green Ruger lockable box with everything else being standard (paperwork, fired round, lock, etc.).

Does anybody have any further information on this finish?

Thanks.

 

[Kestrel]

I'm not sure, but I had a guy that is pretty in touch with things like this tell me Ruger does it by doing some sort of an acid wash/bath and it is the reaction of the steel.

But I don't know - I just work here, I don't own the place..

Steve

 

[Nick96]

Minute_Of_Torso,

I've seen these on the Ruger homepage (available with versions of the SP101 and GP 100 I believe). Don't know anything about the finishing process though - other than it's a dulled stainless steel finish. The photo, however, shows a revolver with what looks like Hogue grips (not factory issue). Also, the serial number is real close to an SP101 I have that's about 10 years old.

Was this a new revolver - or used? Straight from the Ruger factory - or from a custom shop?

No problems - just that it appears to be a custom revolver. If you got it for about the price of a standard factory issue - good for you.

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

I've seen the 'Ruger Target Grey' finish on a number of their revolvers and rifles. I always thought it was some sort of finish treatment for SS. It does appear to be a very durable finish, just not very flashy.

Which is a good thing I think.

 

[Marshall]

Yes, I like both finishes.

 

[Jim March]

I can't really tell from the pic MOT posted if that gun is the real Ruger-supplied "Target Gray" or not. The Ruger alternative finish on some GP100s and SP101s looks the same as the normal factory finish on 454 and 480 SuperRedHawks.

That finish is indeed probably a hair more rust resistant than the polished stainless finish. Not a lot though.

That pic MIGHT also be some form of bead-blasting? If so, it is NOT more rust-resistant than a high-polish finish. If anything, while bead blasting does cut the glare it also greatly increases the microscopic surface area available and that in turn increases rusting. We see this all the time in the knife world.

 

[sgt127]

I have a SP-NY tucked in my gun safe that I picked up years ago. It has that grey finish. Mine was from a special run of .38 SP-101's made for the NYPD. If I'm not mistaken, thats a tumbled finish. It goes through a vibratory tumbler filled with chunks of ceramic polishing material. It may be tougher because it "peens" the pores of the steel. Kind of like shot hardening a part. Its very smooth to the touch. Thats my best guess anyway.

 

[gggman]

You can get that same dull finish on any stainless steel gun very easily. Just go to Radio Shack and buy a bottle of PCB etchant solution (ferric chloride), and wipe it on with a rag. Removes all gloss from the metal, and leaves a dull gray finish. Won't harm the metal. If you are unhappy with it, the finish can be buffed up again with a polishing wheel.

 

[461]

The picture posted by MOT doesn't look like the Ruger "Target Grey" finish.
I just bought one of the GP-100's and it's much darker. Marshall shows the true picture. The MOT revolver looks more like a bead blast type finish. I hope you don't have a gunshop moron misrepresenting or misinterpreting his weapon.

 

[Minute_Of_Torso]

The serial number is of very recent manufacture, according to Ruger.
The finish is factory Target Grey/Low Glare Stainless . . . this is a factory-supplied special edition for Lipsey's.


I verified the serial number and special edition production with Ruger via the phone.

The picture does lighten the appearance of the finish . . . in "real life" it's even darker than the website picture posted earlier.

They (Ruger) told me that I should expect the exact same rust resistance as I would from standard stainless steel, if not slightly better resistance.

All in all I'm very pleased with the gun. The action is VERY smooth especially compared to my late 2003 production GP100 which has a trigger that feels like a box of rocks.

Edited to add: Oh, the grips are Hogue. I had the gunshop put those on to replace the stock grips before I left.

 

[461]

That'd do it MOT. I didn't think about the picture being off due to flash or lighting. Hope you don't think I was bagging on you, I've just heard so many lies/mistakes in gunshops that I'm always leary.

I'm really looking forward to picking up my GP-100, I'm a little concerned with the finish holding up though as I've heard of some folks developings scratches through it fairly easily. I hope this is not the case, but if it is I guess we can just have it polished off and have a regular stainless gun.

Please report back on yours, I'm thinking of getting a matching SP-101.

 

[Minute_Of_Torso]

461 - No harm, no foul.

I'm really leary of gunshops that I don't frequent often, which is the case for this purchase. That's why I called Ruger and got the straight skinny.

I'm keeping a close eye on the finish, too. Will post a follow-up if I get any scratches or dings.