The first Smith & Wesson was a Model 19 with a six inch barrel purchased in about 1979. It had the most beautiful bluing that looked so deep it seemed to go on forever. The last new revolver was a Model 10 from the factory about ten years ago. The bluing was fine, but it was more black than blue and didn't seem to have depth to it.

What happened along the way? Are the newer high end revolvers today blued any better? Do they tend to rust or rub off with holster wear more than the older guns? If buying now, is it better to go for an older, perhaps rougher shape from holster wear than the new guns? Or am I just showing my age and waxing nostalgic?

I asked that question of a factory rep once and the answer was better polishing on older guns and the EPA requirements and restrictions of the bluing chemicals have changed. Makes sense to me...

Very old guns may have a different formulation, but it is a pretty safe bet that anything made during our lifetimes was finished with black oxide bluing. It is fast, cheap and universally accepted in the industry. The higher the polish the deeper and bluer the color in my experience. Also the more easily it is damaged.