I have a model 94 SRC that dates to 1898. It is in very nice shape, especially the barrel and mag tube… both show almost 100 percent original blue (I have been a collector for years, and can spot even an excellent reblue.). The receiver has turned the typical plum color, with 10-20% blue showing under the ring. I suspect that the forearm is a replacement, although well done. There is 1/16 inch gap between wood and metal, the forearm is perfect, and the barrel band is 100% blue. Odd thing, the screw holding the barrel band is plum colored, like the receiver. Is this reasonable? I know that receivers are different from barrels when it comes to blue loss. After all, it is the receiver that gets the handling. But, the plum screw on the barrel band bothers me. Can this be original? and for my own education, how is a firearm graded when it has 98% barrel blue, and 20% receiver blue, turned to plum… I guess what I am asking is what effect that plum colored firearms have on grading. After all is said and done, I guess that I prefer a quality original in any condition, rather than a rifle and pistol that has been altered. With this one, I guess I am going to have to live with the forearm. Lee Davis
Lee,
In cases where the blue between the barrel and receiver are not the same I tend to average the percentages. Screw colors can be different since they were casehardened and can take and wear blue differently or they could of been replaced but without seeing it its hard to tell for sure
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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