On the less expensive models the frame is some alloy (pot metal) which is painted black since it can't be blued. The paint wears and chips and soon looks rather crappy. I've ordered several of them for friends and they seem to shoot OK. They now offer a steel framed model, casehardened and with adjustable sights but those extras run up the cost so that it's not too much cheaper than a Ruger which is a much better gun. If you just want a cheap gun to stick under the truck seat and you don't really care what it looks like, then the Rough Rider is a good choice.