Stainless Old Model Super Blackhawk?

[chinchilla]

I recently traded for an old model super blackhawk. I was told it is stainless but can't find a stainless one anywhere. The guy i bought it off of is a friend of mine and bought it the year it was made in 72 LNIB and said it was like it is . Anyone ever see a ss sbh old model or has the bluing been stripped. If it is stainless what is it worth.

 

[Kevin]

I didn't think there were stainless old models. Is it hard chromed, or nickle plated? Can you post a picture?

 

[BlkHawk73]

There were NO stainless Old Models. Check the serial # to the charts on Ruger's site to verify it's DOB. I'd then question your "friend".

 

[chinchilla]

i don't have a picture right now but it's not chrome or nickel it looks like stainless and is even "stainless" under the grips

 

[chinchilla]

i checked rugers website and it says it's a old model super blackhawk made in 1972

 

[BlkHawk73]

Best bet, give Ruger's Records dept a call - have the serial # handy - and the nice lady will give you the full scoop.
Did you try the magnet test on it?
Does it have the transfer bar system?
Does the grip frame have a "K" in it's marking?

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
I seriously doubt you have a stainless OM. They were NOT built,, period. I'd bet you have a gun that was plated with some kind of aftermarket finish. Not uncommon.

 

[SBH4628]

Also Welcome to the forum
Have to agree with contender,No stainless old models
Can you post any pics?

 

[CraigC]

i don't have a picture right now but it's not chrome or nickel it looks like stainless and is even "stainless" under the grips

Sorry, it's plated!

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Best bet, give Ruger's Records dept a call - have the serial # handy - and the nice lady will give you the full scoop.
Did you try the magnet test on it?
Does it have the transfer bar system?
Does the grip frame have a "K" in it's marking?

What's the "magnet test" you're asking about BlkHawk73? I've always thought there's enough carbon in the steel of all so called "stainless" guns that a magnet will stick to them. I know a magnet stuck to all 5 of the "stainless" guns I tried it with.

 

[Sugar River]

Best bet, give Ruger's Records dept a call - have the serial # handy - and the nice lady will give you the full scoop.
Did you try the magnet test on it?
Does it have the transfer bar system?
Does the grip frame have a "K" in it's marking?

What's the "magnet test" you're asking about BlkHawk73? I've always thought there's enough carbon in the steel of all so called "stainless" guns that a magnet will stick to them. I know a magnet stuck to all 5 of the "stainless" guns I tried it with.

It depends on the exact chemical composition of the steel. In broad terms, there are 3 types of stainless steel alloys, ferritic martensitic and austenitic. As one might guess, ferritic SS alloys are magnetic at room temp.
However, austenitic alloys retain the non magnetic quality at room temp which all SS alloys display in the Austenitic phase temp range.

Is it clear as mud yet?
To put it simply, the magnet is not a foolproof test for determinig whether a part is steel or not because some SS alloys won't be magnetic.

Pete

 

[rugerguy]

sorry but gun steel alloys are indeed 'magnetic'...the ONLY true test is to remove the grips (or remove the grip frame...) get at some metal in an "out of the way place..." scratch through the surface and apply a bit of 'cold blue', my bet is underneath it will indeed, "turn blue..." ( darken).. stainless will NOT turn color......
Most likely that gun is one of the MANY thatwere donwe over the years either by 'Armaloy' ,out of Texas, or Mahovskys Metalife out of PA..I know we had a few?? of the 'old models' done by Ron, and it LOOKS and wears better than stainless ...............