Greeting's stovepipe and welcome aboard!
Aluminum alloy frames have been very popular for a very
long time; in guns ranging from Airweight 5-shot .38
Special's, up to full size self-loaders. Generally speaking,
the aluminum alloy guns don't show accelerated wear,
unless used a lot or abused. Some detectives and
Chief's Of Police were known for excessive abuse of their
off duty Smith & Wesson J-frame Airweight's.
The aluminum frames can't be reblued as per say; cuz
they are anodized. This is a process best left to a very
professional gunsmith; or the factory. My personal CCW
carry piece is a .45 caliber SIG-SAUER P220A, with an
aluminum frame. This one was purchased NIB on 31
MAR 95, and it still looks brand new; and I have toted
it on somewhat of a regular basis since the day that I
acquired it!
FWIW, I perfer aluminum alloy frames to polymer
frame weapons. I realize that I'm probably in a minority
on this issue; but that is my choice!
*FootNote- I think all of our membership will agree,
that any weapon MUST be properly maintained and
treated with a little TLC.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member