Weird frame color?

[dandyrandy]

Is it me or does a lot of these alloy frame S&W pistols have a weird yellowish color to them? I had a 5903 that had the same yellow tinted grey frame. Thanks!

 

[stansdds]

The silver-gray anodized finish does tend to take on a yellow tint with time. I suspect it is the result of exposure to oils that gives it a yellow tint. I have a 6906 that has a bit of a black tint on the dust cover portion of the receiver, I think that may have been from the dye in whatever holster in which it was carried.

 

[ACEd]

Not that unusual on Aluminum framed 3rd gen pistols - I have seen on 69xx and a few 39xx pistols. Believed to be more or less normal lot dependent or environment dependent aging.

I have a 6946 with similar coloration except for one small spot that remains silver - not sure if anodize coating was incomplete or if spot was covered and did not age the same. Or did previous owner try to clean / remove coloring?

I originally thought it was aftermarket coating (Ceracote or??) but it appears to be original as my Ceracoted 4513TSW frame lost the sharpness of frame markings.

 

[Brian Parrish]

I cleaned the whole frame of my early 90's 6906 with a product called Iosso Bore Cleaner. It is an excellent bore cleaner, but it also made the frame match the slide closer in color. It is a toothpaste consistency. Cleans up with water. It is not abrasive that I can tell.

 

[dandyrandy]

I think all of you are right. In fact one of the ways imfdb.org identifies alloy frame S&W auto pistols in movie use is by that contrasting stainless slide and alloy frame color.