Off the wall

[big800]

Has anyone ever seen a Freedom Arms that had been blued??  Not sure why but I would love to see one.  I think that would be a killer combo

[free4ever]

Sounds like a great option. I guess I will answer a question with a question...can stainless steel even be blued? If not there might be a coating that comes close. Fords custom shop used to have something called "black chrome"...but I don't think it is offered anymore  .

[Grumulkin]

I know you could have it made black with a mil spec finish.  SSK Industries did a a stainless steel Encore barrel for me and it looks good; it's not at all glossy though.

[Ken ONeill]

It seems to me that they are so finely / closely fitted, that getting any kind of coated or plated finish on the disassembled parts would make it awfully difficult to reassemble in the same nicely fitted fashion.
I have seen photos several years ago on one of the gun forums of a FA 83 that had been given a Desert Camo finish on most of the gun.  As I recall the cylinder was not coated. Peoples tastes vary, obviously, and what one does with their gun is fine with me, but that one left me almost speechless.
To answer the earlier question, "No", stainless steel can't be blued or CCH in the conventional fashion, and I've never personally seen a coated finish that was as fine as good bluing or an FA stainless finish.
If it's got to be blue, I believe you'll have to have one of the finest craftsmen build a Ruger.

[free4ever]

You know...I remember seeing a "highly-polished" or "mirrored" stainless M83 once for sale. Not sure if it was a factory or custom job. Now that is something that I would like to see FA offer as an option. IMO would go nicely with the white micarta grips. Also, you wouldn't have to worry about the cylinder getting hung up due to the close tolerances.

[Gun 4 Fun]

I have been wanting to do this to mine. (blue it)

There is a guy in FLA that says he can do it, and from pictures I've seen of his work, it looks really good.

This is his web link-
http://gunblue.homestead.com/Stainless.html

[free4ever]

Gun 4 Fun, are you really going to "bite the bullet" (pun intended) and get your FA "hot blued"?? If you do, I can't wait to see the final results. I'm too scared to be the first so we need a guinea pig to take that first step   Ever think of maybe purchasing a used beat-up FA to test the process out on??? You could then maybe sell it at a profit?? Just a rambling thought.

[Ken ONeill]

free4ever,
The factory has indeed offered  a few limited edition high polish guns in the past. As you no doubt know, it is not a regular option offered today.
They're admittedly pricey, but I think the finest finish offered by anyone today is F A's Premier Grade finish. Why? Because if it's worn, scratched or blemished it can be very carefully touched up by it's owner using a Scotchbrite Maroon pad (I SAID CAREFULLY), and in short order be restored to a pristine perfect finish.
But if someone wants blue, they want blue. Not me.

[Gun 4 Fun]

I thought that if I have a stainless steel gun blued, I'd start with my Weatherby, or a Redhawk or something. I have seen this mans bluing work on stainless, and it is impressive.