Brass plated grip frame?

[Aggie01]

When I was discussing my latest project with Mr. Bowen, he wondered aloud if anyone had tried brass plating a steel grip frame, instead of all this hassle finding a brassie.

Anyone tried this?

[nobearsyet]

I haven't, but I'd sure like to see pictures of a finished plating job if anyone has, heck, if anyone here works for a plater I'll donate a cracked XR-3 to finding out when my next project gun gets started, or my #5 arrives, whichever come s first

[rep1954]

I dont think a real brass plating would hold up very well as nicks ,scratches, and wear would take it's toll on it ragther quickly one would think. There are other types of plating that are harder than brass that are tinted I'm sure, but I'm sure also that they are no match for the brass look that gets added by age. If I were going the plated option I would go for good old fashion nickle. Real nickle plating as nothing else can match it's luster and depth when it comes to the silver colored finishes.

[rigby]

Unbelievable! I literally just got off the phone with a place just across the river. I called about the chances of getting a grip frame brass plated. After talking to the guy he said he had done it before and that they where holding up well. He said he can control the plating as to putting more where there is going to be more wear. Total cost $30, at that price I'm gonna take a chance.

[Aggie01]

Are you plating a steel, SS or alloy grip frame?

Any chance you can give us a before picture before it goes?

[rigby]

HI Aggie, I am getting a steel grip done, I switched for more weight. Didnt ask about alloy but I could find out. I sure will post before and after pictures. I guess I was thinking the same way about the solid brass frames. When you can find them they are as much as a whole gun. So I thought why not?

[nobearsyet]

Exactly, it could be a real budget saver for guys like me if they can hold up, have you gien to mayber a hard thin film coating? I can't see why brass plattens couldn't be used, we used to HTF with chrome for color and it held up really well

[Aggie01]

Jun 1, 2009 17:20:47 GMT -5 rigby said:

HI Aggie, I am getting a steel grip done, I switched for more weight. Didnt ask about alloy but I could find out. I sure will post before and after pictures. I guess I was thinking the same way about the solid brass frames. When you can find them they are as much as a whole gun. So I thought why not?

You won't catch me investing money in an alloy grip frame. I was just curious what you were doing. I can foresee plating thickness being a potential issue. With fit to frame, both build up on mating surfaces and added thickness to flush fit edges. Another issue will be inside screw recesses, with the screw bearing on the plating as it it tightened. Is this a project for next week or next month?

Keep us posted, please, and good luck.

[rigby]

I am mailing the grip frame today! I asked him about the holes and that but he said the plating doesn't really want to go into the holes anyway. He said he would plug them in order to keep the plating out of the holes. The thickness is an issue with the mating surfaces. Which I talked to him about thats where the controlling the thickness comes in to play. More will be added to the front and back strap and around the trigger guard. I think I covered everything so will see and hope for the best.

[nobearsyet]

I will wait patiently to see how this turns out, lord knows my projects wait long enough as it is LOL

[2sheriffs]

I had a Old Model Single Six Magnum alloy grip (XR3) brass plated. I put a alloy ejector rod housing on it and it is brass plated also. I haven't shot the gun since, but some people say it will wear off, but it looks nice.

[nicholst55]

Someone wrote about doing this on the Ruger Forum a few years ago. It looked nice initially, but wore off in the high spots pretty quickly. I don't know if he had extra thickness plated onto any specific areas or not, but I'm guessing no.