RugerSociety.com

Hey Y'all, I'm new to the forum although I've used it from time to time for info. Great discussions. I know this topic has been discussed before about chrome plated Old Model single sixes. Not trying to beat a dead horse. Most of you know far more about the topic than I. Thought I'd share some pics of a recent purchase of a chrome plated 1958 Single Six and see if it's a definite "NO" or a "possibility". Has original matching box and docs. Sent for a letter to Ruger and of course they have no record of it being plated. No surprise according to a lot of research on forums. Any Help would be appreciated. Will have download pics in several pages.

You may try to contact John Dugan On the Ruger Collectors Association site.....He would be a good source for this......There are a couple of guys around here that know a lot more than I would even think of knowing.....my forte is the Max.....keep us posted on what ya find out. the only thing that I remember is that sometime Ruger did a "wheel" display of Chrome plated guns......Jack

Looks like one of The Sultan of Shine guns.

The only BKH-36 was displayed in Tulsa last November! Brass Frame/Lee E

If it is a 1958 production gun i would definitely say it was not factory plated.
The factory plated Single-Sixes were done in 1955 for trade show displays, with 8 on the display circled around a large Ruger eagle logo. These are in the 15xxx range.
There were actually 9 known to have been plated. The 9th was a presentation gun.
Chet15

Betting you are talking about the first display, but the 2nd is relevant as well

Thanks for the responses. Yes I understand from reading on multiple forums there were only 9 "factory" plated guns. From my research it was known that Bill Ruger sometimes walked some guns across the street to Superior Plating for some customers request. Apparently the records were never updated to show the work was done. I understand there's probably no way to 100% authenticate one of these unless someone has experience with "known" examples to compare with. I noticed the gun has not really have signs of being buffed like I've seen some that were refinished (in my limited experience). Screw holes not dished out and corners sharp on frame and cylinder. Some milling marks still seen such as bottom of frame, barrel muzzle, sharp serrations on front sight, etc. The grip frame has been polished but was black (still seen under grips). Action is very tight and cylinder drops in and out easily with close tolerance. Don't think it was shot much, just laid around for a long time. Hope the pics show clearly enough. Either way it's an interesting piece.

Have more pics in other posts under "more chrome plated pics." Thanks.