Ruger Bluing Issue

Zackary

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I recently purchased a used Security Six Ruger with some bluing issues. I'm guessing the discoloration where the previous grips were resulted from it being stored in a leather holster. Any suggestions on how to minimize it would be greatly appreciated.Thank you.
 

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I've encountered similiar bluing issues before, although mine have been S&W revolvers not Ruger since all my Six seers are stainless. I suggest light Flitz polish and top off with Renaissance wax. It will always have that worn look but it will become less pronounced.

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Try removing it (gently!) with a light abrasive as noted above, much of it may be accumulated stuff instead of finish loss. If it is true blue loss a try at touch up wouldn't hurt (Oxpho Blue is highly recommended). Or you could just put on a larger set of stocks and call it good :).
 
My Security Six came with factory target grips that cover nearly exactly that line. I wonder if the grips were switched out?

That has been my most reliable pistol over the years, and I rarely walk past one without wanting to buy it.
 
Find some grips that will cover that area back up. Make sure you keep it lubed though to prevent surface rust from occurring.

There is NOTHING you can do to lessen blue loss. Once it's gone, it's gone, and the only option beyond complete refinish is cold blue.
 
Please be careful! I've heard about Flitz being used and even recommended, but when I used it on one of my guns I took off a little more bluing than I should've. It didn't wreck the gun, but there's an area where you can see the finish is thinner in certain light. And I used a small amount with not really intense pressure for not very long.

Do this first - either find a beater blued Rossi or Charter Arms with lots of wear and prctice with the Flitz on that...or take the grips off the Ruger and practice on a spot covered up by the grips. Squeeze out half the amount of Flitz you think you'll need for the job, then only use half of that. Oil and water might work for diluting.

Before flitz, You may try mineral spirits. but try on an inconspicuous area first. My Colt didn't like MS, but some people have had luck. Thankfully I tried it on an inconspicuous area of the Colt, and hoppes 9 took away the ill effects.
 
A re-blue is the only real fix. In my 40 years f experience Pachmeyer Grips in particular have damaged gun finishes and thus may be what caused your issue - but can't know that for sure obviously. They use to have steel inserts under the rubber that many times cut through and damaged the grip frame finish. I am not sure if they still make them this way and I no longer use Pachmeyer's for this reason.
 
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Have you seen the new finish that Glock has available? It is already worn, so it looks like it's been in battle. In fact, I think that's the name of the finish: battle worn. I guess that's about as dumb as pre-worn and pre-torn jeans. :p

If you want to be trendy, you could always tell people this a special "battle worn" finish. :D

As others have said, I'd either just clean it up and leave it alone, or send it to someone to have it completely refinished. Personally, I think the gun looks good like it is...it has character, and came by it honestly.
 
Flitz +blue finish = DISASTER.

This is not so BUT you need to use discretion because, regardless of what it says on the packaging, FLITZ does contain mild abrasives. Proceed with caution when using it.

Bruce
 
It's like digging at a pimple . The more you dig , the worse it looks . Just leave it alone . It won't hurt the functionality one bit . I personally prefer a gun with a little wear , shows its been used for what it was intended for .
It's like old saddles , only " wannabe's " have / ride brand new saddles . Regards, Paul
 
Flitz +blue finish = DISASTER.
It certainly could be. I don't know why you'd use polish on a gun with blue loss unless you were wanting to take off more blue to even it out. If you fear rust, use bronze wool and oil (KROIL or just a CLP) to get rid of the rust.

Otherwise, just shoot it and enjoy. Or get it refinished, or nickel or chrome plated are quite nice).
 
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