Purple Receiver

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mlsgnl61

Bearcat
Joined
Apr 9, 2008
Messages
3
Location
California
The receiver of one of my Ruger M/77 (circa 1989) has taken on a purplish tint over the years.

What causes this odd discolorization since none of my othe M/77 have changed color?
 

rugerjunkie

Buckeye
Joined
Mar 15, 2005
Messages
1,962
Location
Kansas
I believe it has something to do with Rugers casting process and the sand used to do so. I'm sure someone else here has a way better understanding of it than I do and could explain it a lot better. Some turn color and some don't.

I , and many others here have purple frames , recievers , etc. and think it adds to the beauty of the piece. One of my most "purple" ones is a 77 MkII in a 7mm-08 that the reciever has turned quite bright over the years. Many of the Old Model handguns are colored as such and it is a symptom that is sought after and prized by a lot of collectors.
 

chet15

Hawkeye
Joined
Jan 22, 2001
Messages
5,993
Location
Dawson, Iowa
mlsgnl61":3dkqubj2 said:
The receiver of one of my Ruger M/77 (circa 1989) has taken on a purplish tint over the years.

What causes this odd discolorization since none of my othe M/77 have changed color?


It is the addition of silicon (not to be confused with silicone or silica sand) in the metal mix of an investment casting. Silicon helps the metal flow into all the intricacies of mold. Too much and you get the purple color. Mixed improperly and you get purple colored lightning streaks or blotches.
Chet15
 

Big Bubba

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 26, 2006
Messages
112
Location
WV
The loading gate on my Single Six is plum, but the rest of the revolver is black.

I figure the frame and the loading gate were from different batches of castings, so I doubt if my frame will ever turn "plum" and match up. 8)
 

Con

Bearcat
Joined
Jun 17, 2008
Messages
72
It can be given a regular blue though. A friend just had completed a 2.5" 50cal wildcat on a Ruger MkII action and in bluing the barrel, the 'smith blued the action to match. Shame as it is a pretty tinge.
Cheers...
Con
 
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