The Ruger Blackhawk .357 Maximum is a developed cartridge, from the start intended for SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute) standardization. No wildcat genealogy. Top erosion was proven a non-issue in our testing, as it self-arrested, this observation made by Bill Ruger, Jr., while the issue was is question----before the world knew the gun existed.
I was aware of just one stainless prototype----which I shot extensively----which was made about the time the first two stainless Super Blackhawks were made. Coogs informed me of three other stainless Maximums. Coogs can clarify. There were seven SRM prototypes----blued, long frame Blackhawk .357 Maximums, five with 10-1/2" bbl., two with 7-1/2" bbl. Ruger called the silhouette model "Bull barrel." Beside adding weight to steady and dampen over long strings of fire, the bull barrel keeps the extractor rod straight through the chamber when pushed through a straight ejector housing.
The stainless Maximum I shot is pictured with 100 yard target in a DB photo essay piece in Singleactions and Rugerforum.com. I believe serial #600-14,111, but I'll have to check. This indicates that any other stainless Maximum would have been serial numbered within production numbers.
Ordnance quality stainless resists gas cutting better than 4140. Stainless heats up slower and cools down slower than carbon steel. Ruger pours stainless somewhat hotter than 4140. Both types are heat treated and through hardened. Bill Ruger and Bill Ruger, Jr., would not think of trying to case harden (surface harden) 4140 for decorative, or any other, purpose.
Bill Ruger was not afraid of being sued. Bill Ruger proudly stated, "We are self-insured. We are immune to the impulse of an insurance company to cave in. We will fight every lawsuit." It infuriated Bill Ruger that----he named Remington----had caved.
The .357 Maximum is a high performance cartridge, which everyone knew before they had an opportunity to shot it. Bill Ruger felt stabbed in the back by people he trusted to appreciate the performance of the round and the revolver.
David Bradshaw