John Ross 500 Magnum

StihlKicking · August 10, 2018, 07:36 AM

If anyone on here owns one of these guns I would be interested to hear how the black finish holds up. I am trying to decide if I should order the black or stainless one. Thanks

StihlKicking · August 10, 2018, 12:29 PM

It is stainless steel with black oxide. If not on this specific firearm, does anyone have experience with this finish on another revolver?

fourbore · August 11, 2018, 08:12 AM

Black oxide maybe fine, I dont know. Should be. I like brush stainless because you can maintain the finish for a lifetime or two. I am not sure there is any advantage to oxide stainless over a comparable finish on steel. A stainless barrel might last longer and the blue steel might machine better for a given amount of effort. I say might, kinda forget. Maybe some advantage to a small shop keeping with one material.

It is not just a question of durable, but how does it look with the inevitable dings and wear. Sorry, again, I dont know. Blue steel ages gracefully and stainless is perpetual.

Sorry no help, consider this a bump. Conversation stimulator?

StihlKicking · August 12, 2018, 07:25 AM

I spoke to John yesterday. Turns out the black finish is some sort of coating. Not black oxide. I don’t mind honest wear on a firearm but I am leery of finishes that scratch easily even when handled gently. Not sure how this one will hold up
under carry conditions.

ruggyh · August 16, 2018, 09:43 PM

I have both finishes

The black finsh is ok but has worn over time- it is used in the field hunting
It does not scatch easily but will scratch

good luck and be safe
Ruggy

If it is going to see much use the stainless is the way to go.

Model12Win · August 16, 2018, 09:54 PM

John Ross carries a 500 for self defense.

Great gun, with plenty o' thump.

StihlKicking · August 18, 2018, 08:17 AM

I decided to go with the stainless. Mailed John a check on Monday. Now I’m just playing the waiting game. Excited to get it in.

August 10, 2018, 07:36 AM	#1
StihlKicking Member Join Date: March 16, 2018 Posts: 16	John Ross 500 Magnum If anyone on here owns one of these guns I would be interested to hear how the black finish holds up. I am trying to decide if I should order the black or stainless one. Thanks Last edited by StihlKicking; August 10, 2018 at 07:49 AM.

August 10, 2018, 12:29 PM	#2
StihlKicking Member Join Date: March 16, 2018 Posts: 16	It is stainless steel with black oxide. If not on this specific firearm, does anyone have experience with this finish on another revolver?

August 11, 2018, 08:12 AM	#3
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	Black oxide maybe fine, I dont know. Should be. I like brush stainless because you can maintain the finish for a lifetime or two. I am not sure there is any advantage to oxide stainless over a comparable finish on steel. A stainless barrel might last longer and the blue steel might machine better for a given amount of effort. I say might, kinda forget. Maybe some advantage to a small shop keeping with one material. It is not just a question of durable, but how does it look with the inevitable dings and wear. Sorry, again, I dont know. Blue steel ages gracefully and stainless is perpetual. Sorry no help, consider this a bump. Conversation stimulator?

August 12, 2018, 07:25 AM	#4
StihlKicking Member Join Date: March 16, 2018 Posts: 16	I spoke to John yesterday. Turns out the black finish is some sort of coating. Not black oxide. I don’t mind honest wear on a firearm but I am leery of finishes that scratch easily even when handled gently. Not sure how this one will hold up under carry conditions.

August 16, 2018, 09:43 PM	#5
ruggyh Member Join Date: February 1, 2013 Posts: 73	I have both finishes The black finsh is ok but has worn over time- it is used in the field hunting It does not scatch easily but will scratch good luck and be safe Ruggy If it is going to see much use the stainless is the way to go.

August 16, 2018, 09:54 PM	#6
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	John Ross carries a 500 for self defense. Great gun, with plenty o' thump.

August 18, 2018, 08:17 AM	#7
StihlKicking Member Join Date: March 16, 2018 Posts: 16	I decided to go with the stainless. Mailed John a check on Monday. Now I’m just playing the waiting game. Excited to get it in.