Ruger reblue?

[SunnySlopes]

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.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I think if you sent it to Ruger they wouldn't send it back without updating the lock.

 

[dogrunner]

Had two refinished..........both came back with the 'purple' toned gates.....both were fitted with their conversion safety mechanism.....fortunately they did send the original action parts back, but I've heard they don't do so anymore.....best check prior to sending.

The re-finish work on my guns was generally OK, but whoever did the polish job on a lightly pitted frame on my .41 buffed the screw heads absolutely flat.....had a hulluva time getting Ruger to replace 'em........they really don't like to sell parts anymore.

They also electro pencil several digits from the serial # onto the cylinder face......by hand...........looks like the devil.

 

[SunnySlopes]

both came back with the 'purple' toned gates

With the above caveats re Ruger, I think maybe I'll shop around for somebody who can duplicate the factory finish, and just let them reblue the barrel/frame and cylinder. I'll keep the loading gate and internals separate.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I'd think about just leaving it alone or cold blue it.. but that's just me though.

 

[Skylerbone]

Two excellent options:

http://www.gunbluing.com/

http://www.fordsguns.com/index1.htm

 

[Rom828]

Ruger won't do any "elective" work, such as re-bluing until maybe June, as they are swamped with warranty issues from selling over a million guns last year.

 

[Jaymo]

I used some Brownell's Oxpho Blue cream on my Speed Six and was surprised at how well it matched. I'm actually surprised it took. I've heard that the investment cast guns can be hard to blue.
I may hot blue it after I move. It'll be more of a hot black than blue. It comes out very dark, using the Lye/Saltpeter/distilled water method.

It wasn't in collectible condition when I got it. So, I didn't ruin any collector value.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

both came back with the 'purple' toned gates

While I haven't blued any Ruger revolvers that came out this way,I have blued other "off" (cast iron,etc)metals in Brownell's Oxynate "S" salts with Brownell's Oxynate "7" additive with very good results. Some use Brownell's Oxynate "84" for such jobs. You might be able to find a 'smith exprienced in or specializing in Ruger revolvers.