Blue job for Ruger flattop

[jimster]

I got sick of looking at the crummy blue job my Rugger 44 spl had on it from the factory, they did not do a very good job compared to some others I have seen. So I dropped it off tonight for a high polish quality blue job, told them to throw a Super Blackhawk hammer on it while they are at it. I guess over time I'll wear off the bluing anyway, but at least it will be shiny with no grind marks in it. I saw another 44 spl just like mine at a gun shop last week, they did a lot better job of preping the metal on that one.

[gcrank1]

It is a shame the condition some NIB guns have come out as, in looks as well as function. It certainly isnt just Ruger, remember back when S&W took a dive in quality.
My 50th 357 NMBH is a beauty! About all a guy can do is be able to look one over well before dropping the money or, as you, upgrade as you go.
I hope it turns out to your expectations (and that S-BH hammer will be nice).

[jimster]

Yes I agree looking one over before you buy is the best way, I ordered this one, didn't look it over. I was very happy about the size of the holes in the cylinder and the way it shot cast bullets, no leading problems, but the finish was not up to snuff. Along with waves in the trigger guard and polish marks that seemed to be going the wrong direction, it also had red bleeding through the bluing. So I shot the snot out of it because it was a good shooter, finally decided to get the metal polished up properly and get a good blue job. I have seen some of the anniversary models, if I would have had a finish like those I would have left it alone. I also thought about sending it back to Ruger because they do have good CS, but I wasn't sure how much time they would spend on the metal work either, so I flipped the bill on this one.  I'm sure these folks will do it right, I have went to this place before, they do nice work.
Jim

[Lloyd Smale]

mine actually looked pretty good when i got it but that was a couple years ago

[Bigeasy]

I know skilled labor is expensive, but an extra 10 minutes on the polishing wheel would make a big difference.  I have seen a couple newer Rugers where the blue / polish leave me cold.  The last blued Ruger I bought with a decent finish was my 50th Anv. Flat Top .44 mag, and that finish paled compared to a couple old 3 screw Super Blackhawks I have owned.
 
Make sure you post a few pics when it is done.
 
Larry

[gcrank1]

I know you guys arent tellin' tales when you say that, but I havent actually seen a 3-Screw that looks as good as my 50th 357, and I had a S-Six 3-Screw that was only 'average' in fit & finish.
I'll keep lookin' though  , like anything, the more you look at and handle the more you know what to look for. I'll bet a bunch of those 'old hands' at Ruger who did so well are retired or gone now.

[theratdog]

i just polished my mk2 then blued it looks better than new used blue wonder blueing kit best stuff i have used in 40 years well worth the price.now my muzzeloader is going to get it.

[inthebeech]

While Smiths quality was noticeably lower during some periods, I'd have to say that Ruger quality has actually improved. All of my Three Screws have deep tooling marks and unimpressive blueing. On top of this, as a cast bullet shooter, I can say that consistency of cylinder throats has never been better than today's transfer bar guns.

[jimster]

Well I got it back a while ago, it looks a lot more glossy, I know the bluing won't last too long using it a lot, but at least it will look more shiny and smooth when it wears off. They did a good job.
So get this...I was going to have them put on a SBH hammer, but they told me it was on back order and they did not know when they would get it, so no SBH hammer. I did not want to wait that out. Maybe someday I'll find one somewhere. I see Rugers are back in the gun store here, looked at a nice Super Blackhawk with the 4 5/8", and a Bisley in 45 Colt, both had decent factory finshes on them, and the other Rugers looked good too.

[gcrank1]

My 50th 357 doesnt have the S-BH hammer, while the other two CF's do, the only time I really notice is when I think about it........Im not having a hard time just ignoring it and there is no other reason to take it apart. I guess I could just buy one to throw in the bin until I get a reason to go in, or the inclination, but Im not rushing that way.

[guzzijohn]

I am disappointed with Ruger's fit and finish for the money, especially after buying my Uberti El Paton ( I also own a BH in .357 that I bought new in the late 80s). Not much difference in current price (I paid $500 new for the Uberti) The Uberti fit & finish is pretty much flawless with very nice metal work and PERFECTLY fitting grips. Action and trigger much better and smoother. Accuracy is about a tie and the Uberti shoots to point of aim w/o adjustable sights. On my BH I had to adjust the sight as far left as possible to get it close to target center. I would like to see Ruger offer some upgrades revolvers even with the higher cost.
GuzziJohn