I am thinking of bead blasting my NMVs. I have seen some that are blasted on everything but the cylinder, grip frame, and ejector rod housing.
What are the pros and cons of bead blasting it all?
Pictures would also be helpfull.
I've owned three Rugers in SS, all short, 2 Vaq's, and one New Vaquero.
All have the same problem for me - the front sight just plain blossoms in the light - turning into a fireball at the end of the barrel.
The worst is when you're shooting BP and the bay fills with smoke, then all of a sudden the sky's part and a Jesus beam of light shines down on your gun illuminating the thing against the back drop of gray smoke. Forget using the sights - just use the force and hope . . . .
I recently tried having my RNV bead blasted - and it makes a great difference. The gun now goes all matte gray - there's no reflection there - but in fact it's all the same color so if the barrel is tipped up a tad, or canted off to the side - the gray sights can still go invisible against the other gray steel - no help there! I know, the only two misses I had at Westmatch this year were both caused by my not picking up the sight against all the other gray steel of the gun barrel or the frame.
I recently sent this gun off to Robar to have the SS blackened - except for the back strap, hammer and trigger. Once I get a set of Buffalo horn grips for it it will be ready for show time.
I like the way it came out - a lot of effort, but at least you get a SS gun that is dark, and easily cleaned, and has the virtues of Ss without the glare . . .
YMMV
Shadow Catcher
p.s. - there's no rules in most if not any category about using a SS gun or a bead blasted SS gun or a blued or blackened or anything at all like that . . .