Ruger Vaquero "Color Case" frames

[SouthpawShootr]

Anybody know whether the Ruger Vaquero with the false color case finish has a carbon steel frame or a stainless frame to which the "color case" finish is applied?

As I've posted before this finish has gotten some rust spots on it and when I wipe the rust off, the finish comes off with it (and I'm just wiping it down with oil, FYI). The metal itself hasn't been damaged, but if the frame is carbon steel, I'm going to have a local smith blue it. If it's stainless, I'll just have him remove the finish and leave it white. Either way, the aluminum grip frame is going to be replaced with a brass one.

 

[popbang]

The frame is carbon steel. I ahd the same problem you did as the finish wore and was a general pian. I called Ruger and asked if they would blue the entire gun for me. After getting approval from the supervisor they blued the whole thing, and i like it much better. Just so you know they would reapply the case colored finish for free, but did charge me for the blueing although it wasn't too costly. Here is the picture take a look. It has some hoster wear as it is carried frequently.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I think I'll get it blued. Thanks for your help. I didn't know they'll put the old finish back on for free, but that really doesn't make any difference, I don't want the aggravation of having this happen again. Although I really like the Colt style color case, to get it done properly would mean a trip to Bowen and a $250 charge. Somewhere down the line, I'll pick up one the the uberti clones - maybe a Cimmaron.