Author Topic: Stainless Steel vs Blued for a Ranch Pistol in TX (Read 1016 times)

dougk · « **on:** March 15, 2005, 07:31:42 AM »

I am ready to pull the trigger

on a .357 with 6 inch barrel and am looking at the stainless or blued. This pistol will be used as a ranch gun that I will carry on me (it will not be in a truck) for varmits and preditor euthanizia (I am now using the politically correct terms). I might use the gun for deer, but I am inclinded to use the Ruger .44 mag Redhawk for deer and wild boar euthanizia.

What are the pros and cons of using either Stainless Steal or Blued?

Thanks,
Doug

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2005, 07:57:43 AM »

dougk: unless you intend to get that revolver wet, covered in gore or all sweated up, and not clean it on a frequent basis, then go stainless. There is little difference between the two metals except in maintianing the finish on a blue steel revolver. Stainless will not rust up as fast as blued steel will and requires less attention to the outside finish. Internally however there is no difference in the functioning between the two metals, as I understand. That does not excuse a lack of or poor maintenance for a revolver as any revolver will eventually fail if not properly maintained or allowed to get too dirty.

Also, the 357 magnum is well suited for for all the purposes listed, with the possible exception of hunting large hogs where you might want the 44. The 357, with heavy loads, should satisfy all the intended needs you listed. Just my opinion. Mikey.

dougk · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2005, 08:05:02 AM »

Mikey,
thanks...

I am planning to keep the gun with me, and not abuse it.

I was concerned that the stainless might be too reflective and scare off the varmit or predator.

Thanks,
Doug

Questor · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2005, 08:26:32 AM »

My blued guns are showing some field wear in the finish. My stainless guns look like new, except for a couple of dings.

Questor · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2005, 08:32:44 AM »

It depends on the finish of the particular gun. Some stainless guns are polished to a mirror finish, but most are dull and non-reflective. A lot of blued guns are relatively dull too because of the cost of quality bluing. The blued guns can be more reflective. If you're really worried about reflection, you can always use camo tape on the gun.

rockbilly · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2005, 03:58:41 PM »

:grin: Really not much of a choice. If it's an every day gun, stainless is the only way to go. Take a lot less effort to maintain a stainless than a blue finish especially when used/carryed daily in all kinds of weather.

Why would you need a varmit gun in the Austin area? Are them hippies wandering off Lake Travis and Sixth Street now?

dougk · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2005, 05:21:40 PM »

You all have convinced me. I'm looking at both a .357 stainless 4 inch as the everyday carry gun and the 6 inch/8inch blue as the coyote are running and need to be euthanized gun, so it will be carried in the spring an on days where the horses are being born.

Thanks,
Doug

p.s. I have updated the town to Driftwood not Austin...

Old Griz · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2005, 07:22:14 PM »

:cb2: I clean my guns after I use them, but I don't go crazy over them. I have never had any problems with a blued gun rusting--handgun or rifle--and one is 88 years old. (Yeah, I'm old, but I wasn't the original owner of that one.) The only gun I've ever owned that showed any sign of rusting was a safe queen I bought from someone else. (There was a little reddish dust under the front sight of a .44 Bisley.) She's doing fine now. A little Tetra restored her back to perfect health.

As long as you take reasonable care of a gun, it isn't going to rust. Even with continued carry. My 40 year old S&Ws are doing fine. If you find something you like, get itblued or stainless.