New Vaquero Finish- Color Case vs Stainless?

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Gearhead Jim

Bearcat
Joined
Nov 11, 2003
Messages
17
Location
Illinois
I've been wanting a New Vaquero in .357 since the gun came out, and have been kicking myself lately for not buying one while they had the fake color case finish. Finding a good used one with the shorter barrel may not be easy.

The fake color case finish has a reputation for non-durability, but I think it looks authentic and pretty on a SA gun, especially if i get wood grips. Any predictions on how it would hold up on an occasional plinker?

The current all-over blueing looks very good quality, but also makes the gun look like just another revolver. Might as well be a S&W Model 19.

The bright stainless finish would be almost rustproof and looks similar to nickel plating, but to me it's just too flashy and probably scratches easily. Dulling it slightly like the S&W revolvers would again just give it that "ordinary gun" look.

Supposedly, one of the Colt clones is available in a stainless finish that has been acid-rubbed or something, so it looks like an old blued gun with the finish rubbed/rusted away. Has anybody seen one, and would it be practical on a SS NV?

Suggestions & comments?
 

JWhitmore44

Blackhawk
Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
987
Location
NW Kansas
I got this one in 2003. I don't shoot it often but I do carry it form time to time.

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street

Hunter
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
2,456
Location
Vinton, VA
Here are some that I have had for sometime. I have heard that they will rust just setting, but I have not found this to be true.


Single-sixes. Consecutive pair

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.45 Cal BNV-44-I, Consecutive pair'

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.32 Mag. SSM-4F-S-I, Consecutive pair.

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.44 Mag. Engraved, BNV-474-IE, Consecutive Pair.

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gak

Buckeye
Joined
Oct 13, 2007
Messages
1,552
Location
Aridzona
I'm one of the ones also who have not found it to be a problem on various large Vaqueros, single six 32s and New Vaqueros. Then again, I don't live in the rust belt. +1 I actually don't find the look objectionable as many do--as the one gent says, set them apart. I've heard--but not verified personally--that ther Rugers are harder to antique to desired effect (at least as a DIY) due to the fact that underneath the blue "in the white" stripped is brighter metal than others. I have a Cimarron that's antiqued (by Cim, not the Uberti factory job) and a DIY/fave local smith done Rodeo---both great.
 
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