Question on flat gate finish

[Randyzzz]

Currently I have 2 Flatgates. One is a 4 digit and all original, the second is a 5 digit and came with the incorrect ejector rod and a contoured gate. I have since rectified the modifications, but I have a question. The flat gate on the 4 digit is polished and blued. The flat gate that I got for the 5 digit is not polished- almost rough cast on the outer edge. It’s not a deep blue either, more like it wants to go plum brown. Could it be a reproduction? Or maybe one that slipped through a stage of finishing? I’ll attach a picture- looking for answers.

[chet15]

I was thinking there were some reproduction flat loading gates, maybe 1980's ish? Not sure now.
Another memory that I'm about 90% on is that you could still get flat loading gates from the factory as late as the 1970's. Maybe that's one that was never fully finished.
Chet15

[rugerguy]

yes, many years ago we had seen some flatgates at one of the MOnroeville RCA shows for sale, that bearded guy ( had a bushy red beard believe his name was Walt) had some, looked like they got out of the factory in the "raw"?? rough cast, I got a couple that we "finished" polished them off ,dropped them in the bluing tanks and voila, sold them both on "restored" guns back in the 80s.....worked for us .....some folks sent their 'flatgated' models back for the rounded ( Premieres were offered) as it was hard on the fingernails if you used them a lot..........

[Randyzzz]

Well, I was lucky enough to get a nice looking flat gate courtesy of Joey. I may try and polish and reblue the funky looking one.

The flatgate doesn’t mess with my fingernail, primarily because my fingers are too big to use a nail! But the tip of my thumb is one solid callous and it hooks that little notch perfectly! Part of the joys of turning wrenches for years…