1974 New model .357 Blackhawk

[Ostmen]

1974 4.62” barrel .357 New model Blackhawk serial 32-22**** in good shape however finish is showing some wear, not horrible but still some wear. Think it’s better to keep the original patina or apply new bluing? I like to hear pros/cons of refinishing.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

1974 4.62" barrel .357 New model Blackhawk serial 32-22**** in good shape however finish is showing some wear, not horrible but still some wear. Think it's better to keep the original patina or apply new bluing? I like to hear pros/cons of refinishing.

If you want your gun to "look like new" and can afford to have this done, why not? Unless you fear a loss of resale value due to the "rework".

If you really don't care about a little honest "experience" on your gun, why do it? Unless you want to sell it and figure you can do so for enough to make it worthwhile.

JMHO

 

[contender]

A 1974 New Model .357 like that doesn't really have much collector value if any at all.
As such,, whichever you would prefer,, AND are willing to spend,, you choose.

 

[rugerguy]

...a difference from "patina" , and 'normal' wear and tear versus "rust", bluing loss, and improper cleaning, etc.... being a New model I would have no problem with sending it back to the factory have it checked out and "refinished, and here again, there is a "difference " from a reblue job and a proper "restoration" the restoration makes the gun as it was when it was first built/issued............ you say it is in "good shape". so can be hard for any of us to know exactly the issues may be,,I've "touched up", a little 'TLC' here and there and it can do wonders, so you never know........... pictures would help, and you can leave the serial number out of any of the pictures if need be......good luck , been there ,done that.........

 

[G2]

It's a personal preference thing. Your gun do what you want.

To recognize any collector value you have to part with the gun,,,, and that ain't no fun.

Me,,, I like good honest wear, and put the $$$ in to action job, Super Blackhawk hammer, brass grip frame, moose grips,,, again my gun and I spend the $$$ how I want. When I'm gone the next person in line, gets to do what ever they want,,,, and I don't believe I will care…

1958 well used flattop shooter,,,
and it's 50th anniversary, 50 years later,
New Model 2008 flattop, w/ my enhancements….

I bought this gun off the Rancher that used it everyday, I did clean it up a bit and changed out the grip frame to a high polish Stainless from a Old Army., wide groove trigger to to match, Eagle checkered rosewood grips.
I even got a really cool brass snap engraved Hunter holster with it. Everybody in my family and deer camp wants it.

Now you might think I paid a bunch of money for these parts,,, Nope EBay finds for not much, another part of the hobby I enjoy, scrounging for weird stuff.

 

[rugerguy]

...like I said ,been there done that........last RSS9 I did some time ago.....


...and yes, all by hand, no power tools......

 

[Ostmen]

 

[Ostmen]

View attachment 78838

 

[Ostmen]

 

[contender]

Well used & such. If you want it to be made nice again,, send it to Ruger.

 

[rugerguy]

yessir ,perfect candidate for a factory "refresh/go over", a no brainer.......

 

[bigbillyboy]

1974 4.62" barrel .357 New model Blackhawk serial 32-22**** in good shape however finish is showing some wear, not horrible but still some wear. Think it's better to keep the original patina or apply new bluing? I like to hear pros/cons of refinishing.

not really a "right " answer to your question . It's really up to what you want .

 

[s4s4u]

I'm the kind of guy who would grab my bottle of cold blue and get busy. I cut and crowned my Ruger Bisley from 7-1/2" to 6" and finished it off with Birchwood Casey cold blue. Still looking great a decade later.