OLD MODEL Single Action grip frame anodizing

[Ruger44fan]

Most messages about having an Old Model fram anodized are old and the places they suggest are now out of business or not accepting work at this time. I do not want powder coating or Cerakoting. I want the real deal, black anodizing. Anyone know of some place that will do this and a ball park of the cost. Thanks.

 

[CBH44]

Techplate in Anaheim, Ca. Hometown.

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

These guys at least used to anodize AR lowers and other firearms parts. A grip frame should be a piece of cake for them.

https://www.americananodizingco.com/aluminum-anodizing-services.html

 

[flyingtiger]

Xr3 ? Or xr3-Red

 

[Hondo44]

Just a thought:
Finding a like new Ruger anodized grip frame may be a lot easier, faster, cheaper and a better match than re-anodizing a grip frame.

With tons of Ruger owners of old and new models changing their grip frames to steel, stainless steel, Bisley, birdshead, Super Blackhawk (round or square trigger guards), etc., you'd be surprised at how many like new Ruger anodized grip frames are available. The alloy grip frames were not match polished to the frames like the current steel and stainless grip frames. So they are very interchangeable from gun to gun.

Good luck with your project!

 

[Ruger44fan]

Frame was slightly reshaped for its special grips so a replacement frame is out. I don't want to Cerakote unless I absolutely have to. NEED to have it black anodized. It is a XR3 early frame. Thanks for the previous suggestions.

 

[Hondo44]

Ah, yeah that's a horse of another color.

Let us know how it turns out. We like photos too.

 

[JAYDAWG]

I had Turnbull do one, and it looked nowhere near original, I still haven't put it on a gun.......
Bobby Tyler restored a T1 Flat Gate for me and sold me an original he had, said he'd never seen a newly anodized one that looked good on the old models.
There is usually a hot rod shop or a hobbyist in most towns that do it, maybe a local ask on marketplace or craigs list?
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.......

 

[thinckley]

Fogle's Gunsmithing in Ohio reblued and refinished an OM SBH for me. I don't think they anodize, but it looked great before I swapped it out for a brass frame. Might be worth a call or an email.

 

[rugerguy]

over all these years we have never found any ONE shop that could actually make it "match" the original ALcoa ( or factory) anodising, came out almost every dark shade of color except "black'........so gave up and simple painted it with flat black Krylon or the used the Brownells Alumahyde coating worked well and simple redid it when they got worn or damaged, hardest part is a GOOD 'prep' to the metal before you actually coated it.

 

[Hondo44]

That's what I always understood as well. Ruger's current powder coating is superior to the old black anodizing and many after market shops can do it well.

We used to get the alloy grip frames brass plated. Then we heard some used Brownell's coating for stainless steel which can then be blued.

 

[Randyzzz]

I know that you don’t want Cerakote. But- Cerakote E100 is a very close match to the factory finish. It can be made high floss to flat or any “texture” in between.

 

[Hondo44]

That looks very good!

I find powder coating more durable. And I presume Ruger uses cerakote on the Wranglers because it hides blemished and poorly finished surfaces better. And it's a less expensive production finish to apply.
It's also easier to redo by owners at home.

 

[Randyzzz]

The E100 does require a 300° oven cure-
Maybe not 100% DIY for everyone.

I’ve also found Cerakote to be more impact resistant. Plus, I haven’t found a chemical yet that damages it. The supply specifically to the elite series.