Why does this Single-Six have a polished aluminum frame? Factory? Rare model?

[Hondo44]

Once the alloy grip frame is polished it won't stay shiny unless it's clear coated or clear anodized, or it will oxidize and become dull. If it were mine I'd replace it with a blued steel or a polished stainless grip frame or have it powder coated in black.

 

[GasGuzzler]

The anodized grip frame finish on my SS is almost gone after shooting & handling it for 66 years.
It has never occurred to me to polish it at all.

It's not just polish. You'll have to strip it first then sand it with varying grits of sandpaper until it is uniform. Then the polish. If you use a bench machine like me, the polish part takes about two hours, way less than the stripping and sanding. If you polish it by hand it will take many hours (to get good results).

Once the alloy grip frame is polished it won't stay shiny unless it's clear coated or clear anodized, or it will oxidize and become dull. If it were mine I'd replace it with a blued steel or a polished stainless grip frame or have it powder coated in black.

Yes but 30 seconds with a cotton tee shirt and no compound makes them shiny again if not coated. This probably varies by region and weather.

 

[JAYDAWG]

The anodized grip frame finish on my SS is almost gone after shooting & handling it for 66 years.
It has never occurred to me to polish it at all.
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That gray frame on the original old models is normal, and does not detract from the value or the collector appeal.
Do whatever you want to a new model, or a damaged OM, but I would not do anything to this nice original RSS.
You have a family heirloom there!!

Cheers,
Jay

 

[Ale-8(1)]

The anodized grip frame finish on my SS is almost gone after shooting & handling it for 66 years.

Yeah, I have the same situation on my 1962 S-S and I consider it a sign of a well-used and well-maintained old gun . . . my first Ruger,

 

[wproct]

Just an update, I wound up putting the stainless steel grip frame back on my Super Single-six, I decided I was just being too particular. I never had an issue with my polished aluminum grip frame tarnishing, and I didn't use wax or anything on it.

 

[G2]

After seeing the RSSE offered for sale in the classifieds for 12k,,, got me a thinking that the most expensive, rare, and most likely the ONLY guns shipped by Ruger with the bare aluminum/ alloy grip frame….

 

[bisleyfan41]

To limit confusion by some well-meaning people above, there are 2 different alloys being discussed which can be confusing. "Alloy" is being used in different ways.

The ALLOY STEEL which the OP sees quoted in current Ruger literature refers to the cylinder frame, barrel, cylinder, and various small parts of the Single Six.

The "alloy" that Contender referenced in his post is an ALUMINUM ALLOY which Ruger uses for their grip frames and ejector rod housings.

Both are alloys. One of steel. One of aluminum.

The current blued Single six has a steel cylinder frame with aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing.

 

[GasGuzzler]

The current blued Single six has a steel cylinder frame with aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing.

As does 99% or more of all Single Sixes of all time.

 

[GYJ44]

Once the alloy grip frame is polished it won't stay shiny unless it's clear coated or clear anodized, or it will oxidize and become dull. If it were mine I'd replace it with a blued steel or a polished stainless grip frame or have it powder coated in black.

It takes years for this to happen. I have one I polished 25yrs ago and it still looks the same.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

Hmmm, I done this one in the late 80's... And, she be as shiny as ever.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I think the definition of shiny is subjective and varies greatly from person to person.

My polished aluminum Ruger parts look like the chrome on a '57 Chevy bumper and no, they don't stay that way without maintenance. It's not hard to get one back as long as it's not dinged or scratched.

 

[wproct]

Hmmm, I done this one in the late 80's... And, she be as shiny as ever.
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O man! I love this revolver. The three screws in the frame appear to be polished. Is that the case or is it just a reflection in the photo? My first single-action was a 5.5 inch bbl three screw Single-six just like this one and I would give anything to have that revolver back.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

Yes, I also polished the screws. My Dad got this gun 1960 for his 30th birthday, and it was in well used condition from being shot a LOT, and also used on a trap line by him, my older brother and myself by the time he gifted it to me in the mid 80's.
Most all of the original anodizing was worn off, so I just decided to polish it out...And, have never once regretted doing so.

 

[s4s4u]

Not rare not factory.
Some people do that.
Ruins them as far as I am concerned but others will disagree.

I've seen so many of them online that I actually thought it was a factory offering.

 

[wproct]

Yes, I also polished the screws. My Dad got this gun 1960 for his 30th birthday, and it was in well used condition from being shot a LOT, and also used on a trap line by him, my older brother and myself by the time he gifted it to me in the mid 80's.
Most all of the original anodizing was worn off, so I just decided to polish it out...And, have never once regretted doing so.

That's just a great revolver, you will never wear it out!