Single action collector value.

[Laserbait]

I was just pondering to myself, in the future with single actions, do you think stainless guns will hold a higher value than blued? Or will a blued gun, in the same condition, hold better value?

I don't really have a dog in the race, so to speak. It was just a question that floated into my head, and I can see it going either way. I know that there are a ton of other variables too.

 

[hittman]

I hope it’s blued.
Don’t own any NMs.

 

[contender]

I think you answered your own question.

The variables.

Just using stainless vs blue will not be the main factor in collectabilty.

 

[Jim Walsh]

I own a couple stainless firearms but much prefer blued and case hardened steel. I also own a couple firearms with synthetic stocks but once again walnut is my preference. I don’t foresee stainless as ever being valued “higher” than the equal blued firearm other than in a handful of specific applications intended for harsh environments where constant exposure to damp and corrosive elements would favor a more noble steel.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

BLUE

 

[bigbillyboy]

I say blued , just prettier in my opinion...

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Some folks like the shiny stuff though . . .

T

Thread 'Pile of hard to find, even "rare", Factory High Gloss SP101s is growing!'

Jan 8, 2026

• Terry T
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Ruger & Other Firearm Collecting

• 

 

[Laserbait]

Yeah, I was leaning towards blue myself. They seem more like art, whereas I see the stainless steel guns more utilitarian (not in a bad way). I love the looks of my blued guns, but I use my stainless ones far more often.

 

[needsmostuff]

Blue if you are holding it, caressing and loving it.
Stainless if you are dragging it around in a holster.

 

[Laserbait]

Some folks like the shiny stuff though . . .

T

Thread 'Pile of hard to find, even "rare", Factory High Gloss SP101s is growing!'

Jan 8, 2026

• Terry T
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Ruger & Other Firearm Collecting

• 

I had inquired about getting one of my GP100's polished like that many years ago. I think they quoted me about $900. Uuffff-da! Did Ruger ever do a high polish GP100 like those 101's?

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

maybe but only if they where limited numbers or none made in blued ect.

 

[Caftman]

In the future, blued guns (in the same condition) are more likely to hold or appreciate better collector value than stainless ones, all else equal.

 

[GasGuzzler]

What are stainless?

 

[Laserbait]

What are stainless?

Vague question is vague.

 

[peachhead]

If blued guns hold any more value it's probably because they're older. Gonna depend on the gun itself.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

There's a market for everything. If everybody only liked the same thing there would only be . . . one thing.

 

[sixmranch]

Has nothing to do with blued or stainless. Rarity and demand are what drives prices. Python aren't rare, but they are very desirable.

 

[Johnnu2]

J.

 

[Cholo]

Blued because most of the valued guns will be the various 3 screws. They might hold their value up thru the 90's with some exceptions. What I don't see holding value in general are those absolutely hideous blued guns with solid stainless hammers and triggers I'd take any stainless SA over any of those.

 

[Hondo44]

I was just pondering to myself, in the future with single actions, do you think stainless guns will hold a higher value than blued? Or will a blued gun, in the same condition, hold better value?

Rare examples, whether blue or stainless, are off the table for purposes of this discussion.

Condition is everything. Because the older blued guns become the harder it is to find them in good condition or with original finishes. So those will hold the highest value. Stainless guns are easier to keep in better condition or restore to original appearance.
Low condition blue guns will have less value than stainless guns.

Value will be affected by supply so the ratio of SS to blue guns sold is another issue to factor in.

 

[DGW1949]

There's a market for everything. If everybody only liked the same thing there would only be . . . one thing.

True that.

DGW

 

[eveled]

If blued guns hold any more value it's probably because they're older. Gonna depend on the gun itself.

This, but also Blued guns are more apt to become damaged. So pristine blues guns will always be desired.

Also. You don’t always have a choice between stainless and blued. Seems more like stainless or coated/painted now.

Old pristine real blued guns will always be desired. Stainless guns are just so darn practical.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

the subje

Some folks like the shiny stuff though . . .

T

Thread 'Pile of hard to find, even "rare", Factory High Gloss SP101s is growing!'

Jan 8, 2026

• Terry T
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Ruger & Other Firearm Collecting

• 

the headline question was, single actions, would you be so kind as to point out which one in your pile is just that. we on here are not that smart...

 

[southernbuck101]

What are stainless?

God's metal for the manufacture of firearms .
Don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful blue with or without case coloring, gun from the 60s 70s and 80s.
I own several.
Most of those see little use in my world.
But if Colt made a stainless SAA , I would buy one. But I'd keep the 2 I already own.

Every Blackhawk I own with the exception of my 1956 Flattop is stainless.

All my Vaqueros are polished stainless.

The Single Six, is now stainless.

The skeleton stock 3006 is an extension of my arms for 1/4 of every year. Yep. Its stainless.

Working on a all weather Red Label at a local gun shop now.
If it were a 20 gauge I'd have it already.
I am a Stainless Whore.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I'm sorry. Bless your heart.

 

[southernbuck101]

My heart is where it's most practical for my needs.