Plum color

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Ruger8r
Posts: 403
Joined: Sat Mar 28, 2020 1:28 pm
Location: Glendale, CA

Plum color

Post by Ruger8r »

I've noticed that some refer to their Ruger metal as "turning plum". Does the plum effect increase over time or is it set when the gun is blued? I suspect it's the latter.
"My greatest fear is that, when I die, my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them." Anonymous Collector
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RoninPA
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Re: Plum color

Post by RoninPA »

The way it was explained to me is that the plum color and the "lightening bolts/streaks was caused by the bluing solution and the metallurgy of the steel being used (at that time). I was told that it did not happen at the time of the bluing but happened/happens over time and gets "richer" as time goes on.

I have a 1969 Blackhawk, OM, Unconverted, a little turn line, that the loading gate, cylinder and frame are turning a gorgeous plum color and several ROCS members (one in particular from NC) said they wanted it. But Mama (my wife Jackie) flat said "It ain't going NOWHERE" :D It's on display in my shop right now.

This picture is when I first got it. The grips have been replace with the correct walnut grips
20151226_102944_zpsguwllnqc[1].jpg
Ron
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JAYDAWG
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Re: Plum color

Post by JAYDAWG »

RoninPA wrote: Wed Oct 26, 2022 8:38 am The way it was explained to me is that the plum color and the "lightening bolts/streaks was caused by the bluing solution and the metallurgy of the steel being used (at that time). I was told that it did not happen at the time of the bluing but happened/happens over time and gets "richer" as time goes on.
20151226_102944_zpsguwllnqc[1].jpg
I believe Ron is correct.
I had Bobby Tyler restore a RSS for me and the plum was "covered" by the reblue , but the plum has bled back through.
Posted these pics before in the SA thread.
Elapsed time from reblue to 2nd pic was 2 1/2 years.
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I do not "own" these guns, I am but the next caretaker
flattop44
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Location: Alabama

Re: Plum color

Post by flattop44 »

Ron and Jaydog, both those are "plum pretty". I agree with what you stated Ron. I sure love those plum Rugers!!
Bill
Ruger8r
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Re: Plum color

Post by Ruger8r »

Thanks for the informative posts. I can think of nothing more quintessentially Ruger than that plum color. I should pull my plum sixes out and watch them turn. Always looking for the plum. There was a gorgeous plum Single Six in AZ on GB a couple of years ago that looked specially assembled with all screw heads showing machine lnes and a flawless finish, NIB. Alas, they wouldn't ship to CA.
"My greatest fear is that, when I die, my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them." Anonymous Collector
JussBad
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Re: Plum color

Post by JussBad »

Plum? ;) Actually this was a very well worn Blue Lightweight. Took it apart and had the frame Anodized the plum color and blued the other parts... Many years ago I purchased a new/never fitted aluminum cylinder and had it clear anodized. Put it together with a tri-color cylinder and a blue steel cylinder. Real Ivory on a nickel plated GF. Makes for a Unique Shooter.
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Ruger8r
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Re: Plum color

Post by Ruger8r »

Wohoo, that's a party! Outstanding, JussBad.
"My greatest fear is that, when I die, my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them." Anonymous Collector
flattop44
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Re: Plum color

Post by flattop44 »

WOW Jussbad, that's a great looking FG Six. All of the revolvers in this thread are real beauties.
FT44
Brass Frame
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Re: Plum color

Post by Brass Frame »

Great looking shooter Jussbad! I have a couple BKH-3s that just jump out with the plum color. Good job Gary. Brass Frame/Lee
JAYDAWG
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Re: Plum color

Post by JAYDAWG »

Very cool.
I like the look.

Cheers,
Jay
I do not "own" these guns, I am but the next caretaker
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