Help with Ruger tattoo removal!

[bjportwood]

Well not really a tattoo, but billboard sign removal? I've got a OM 45 Vaquero that is my favorite revolver, but the sight of that horrible barrel marking, warning label on the left side is driving me nuts. I considered sending it to Ruger for a new production barrel where the lettering is on the bottom side, but I really like the barrel that's on there. it's accurate and hits point of impact. I don't ant to take the barrel off to have the lettering removed beacuse I'm afraid that upon reinstalling the barrel it won't be put back on true, I don't know how they are put on, pinned or screwed on but getting it back to spec might be an issue. I've seen some people removing the lettering themselves, but then bluing etc.... Are there any good options out there? Maybe a board member that is the go to guy for this type of surgery?

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks Billy Jack

 

[glockman99]

Just cover it up with duct tape...LOL...

 

[rugerguy]

well if its a 'blue" gun, and has the "inked" faux color case, to do the job "correct" it has to be pulled......if its the stainless steel version, can do the job on the gun, polish it out and blend it in, make it all match up and shiny, would look 'great'....any gun shop that specializes in refinishing and is a "full service shop" could do it for you.......no the FACTORY is NOT going to remove it for you, and if you were only doing it to change the "warning location" ???? good question, if it was to change the barrel, length, they would use the "latest" version of barrels possibly,BUT if they are still "in stock" you'd get another , the same version you have now.........

here is one that we did for a guy, and removed the "faux" color case at the same time, he loves it...............

 

[Jimbo357mag]

In other words a file and a strip of sandpaper will remove the warning but then you would have to have the barrel or the whole gun re-blued. 8) 8)

..Jimbo

 

[powder smoke]

Did not do it mysefl but this is what it will look like. This has the old time Chacoal Blueing. I like it.

 

[rugerguy]

yes, you can use a file and strips of emery paper (clothe) just do NOT file in a straight line or push hard, you have to keep it moving and on the curve, roll it over the curve....if you draw file "lightly" straight,back and forth, and move it "over" on each "pass". but then you have to file/polish out the elongated file marks...sounds hard, but in essence it is quite easy to do, just time consuming, and you have to "get the touch, feel" to do it right....
there was a picture elsewhere on the forum a few days ago, where someone showed off their "finished" job?? and there were divots and flat spots in the sides of the barrel...that is a NO -NO
Once "rounded out, polished and blended in , the human eye cannot telll the difference in the actual diameter of the "finished " barrel, it will "look/appear" to be "FINISHED" .............
We've always ,since the 1960's have done this "by hand". files, blocks, and emery paper......octagon barrels, or round....same for frames, NO washed out holes or rounded edges.........

 

[Snyd]

Ya, you can do it yourself with a little patience and work. Just go slow. Like was mentioned, start with a file and then use sand paper then, scuff or polish to your liking. I actually started VERY GENTLY with a Dremel... I know I know, a big no no but it worked for me. Here's my 454 Redhawk. I got rid of the billboard and the .45 Colt. Didn't need it since the cylinder has .454 and 45 Colt on it. I put tape over the what I wanted left on the gun. I kinda Like having Ruger on the barrel.

 

[flatgate]

I simply turn the gun over so I can't see the "warning" statement.

flatgate

 

[Lefty SRH]

I'd like this done to a few of my Rugers. Anybody got an old bad barrel theyare willing to donate/sell so I can practice before I touch my guns?

 

[Spec.-K]

I recently ordered a stainless barrel and I'm thinking of TIG welding the letters and polishing.
Anyone have any experience with this method...?

 

[Larry from Bend]

I've thought of trying this with my 1" X 30" belt sander. I use it for sharpening knives and have a large variety of grits.

Anyone ever try a method like this?

 

[Gutshot]

I have done it to a couple of my stainless guns. It is really not so difficult that you need to practice first or use a power sander. It is something to be enjoyed while doing it and not hurried through, kind of like being with a woman. Get a good sharp file a few different grits of sand paper and a Scotch Brite pad for the textured finish work, unless you prefer a polished finish.

JMHO

Jeff

 

[Tellico]

Them women don't come with a "warning label" but they sould! OOPS! off topic sorry.