Drew,

Not to speak for HE, but yes the step is always blue from the factory. They have been observed occasionally added after market. They will be in the white or cold blued.

But the dead giveaway that one is original is the sharp cornered 'toe' at the front of the butt. If the step has been cut in a round butt after the factory, the front toe will be rounded leaving a gap between stocks and grip frame.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819