Old model .357 flattop needs work

[Joey]

I have a thread in SA that is on hold, one at Ruger getting blued, the other at smith's getting reworked. So I thought I would open one on a recent acquisition. I got this from a friend I have bought a couple other Rugers from, at a good price. Needs a bit of tlc, part of which I have done. The grip frame had some issues, the erh I replaced and I repaired the grips. I think I may have caused the grip problem. The revolver was left stored on one side by a previous caretaker, and caused some issues on the barrel, cylinder and main frame. I think I have it all done except for tissues just mentioned. My question is do I do touch-up or a complete re-blue? I do not have pics of the things I have already done, I will post those tomorrow.

 

[s4s4u]

I did a cut and re-crown on a Ruger 45 Colt Bisley, and touched up the face of the muzzle with cold blue. I looks good, still. Not sure how it would look right next to old blue on the same plane, but wouldn't hurt to try.

 

[Joey]

I tried touch-up on the barrel, Oxphoblu, didn't take. I did a degrease with alcohol, 3 applications, I have used Oxphoblu before with good results, supposedly it can be used without degrease. I also didn't prep the end of the barrel either, probably need to do that. I have a couple of pre-inc 4 5/8 barrels, one like new. But I really don't want to alter it from as shipped. I already have 2 .357 ft in 4 5/8 and 2 post '63 4 5/8.

 

[rugerguy]

Joey when 'Oxyblu didn't work I would try 44-40 Cold Blue from Numrich ( Brownells should have it too) never know, metal acts differently at different time, you can try and "burnish" it (rub) with the palm of your hand, warm up the metal a bit and repeat...just stay away from hi polish finish like Colts Pythons or S&W presentation guns, some cold blues interact with the surrounding metals, will blur.........;):rolleyes::cool:

 

[Joey]

I think I have some 44-40, will have to check If not, I will get it on order. Thanks much, rugerguy.

 

[Joey]

Here's what I have done so far.

I Worked the gf down to remove the etching and a couple places on the backstrap, then had it powder coated.

Changed out the erh. If I decide to send it in for a bath, I will put the original back on and have it re-blued.

I repaired the port side grip. I broke it putting the grips back on, tightened it down too much. If you look closely you can see the glue lines. I pushed the ferel from the outside with a small straight screwdriver till the broke pieces broke free from the grip. fitted them, glued them, wrapped it in wax paper, presser the sta'board side against it and put it in my small padded vise. Tightened it down just enough to close up the gap, pressing the broken pieces in place. Left it in the vise overnight, I think the glued area is stronger than the rest of the grip.

Here it is put together, note the plum loading gate. The rest is going a paler shade of plum, to bastardize the Procol Harem song
According to Ruger ser # look up, it was born 1960.

 

[Joey]

I just couldn't resist................. My apologies to Procol Harem!!!!!!!

The tension was getting stronger
As I slowly paced the floor
Waiting for delivery
Of my old model .44.......

I probably should not have ordered it
Looking back, it was kinda dumb
I just could not help myself,
It was turning a paler shade of plum!!

Finally, I got the call
I had been waiting for
With my wallet in my pocket
I headed for the door

As I approached the counter
The clerk asked why I had come
I replied, "To get my Blackhawk
That's a paler shade of plum"

As I opened up the package
The truth was plain as day
Hey, that's a real beauty
I heard somebody say

At first I had my doubts
Maybe not smart to some
But I'll tell you all right now
I love my BH that's a paler shade of plum!!

A Paler Shade of Plum
From Joey's Book of Tall Tales

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Joey,
That is PLUM Awesome
:)

 

[Joey]

I love 'em!! I got a single six a few months ago that had a plum erh! Never seen one.... I think it was Troy that had a plum .44 a few months ago, the steel grip frame was going plum!!