The first thing I would do is to contact Ruger's Customer Services and request a "letter of authenticity". This will indicate the configuration of the gun when it was shipped from the factory. Most likely, someone has removed the blued anodized finish from the factory aluminum alloy grip frame and it has since developed a layer of dull corrosion. Try a magnet …. aluminum won't be attracted.
welcome to the forum, there were many old model flatops around that vintage ( era) the the aluminum anodizing of the grip frame became quite lighter, almost grey, some said a reaction to ultraviolet light ( sun light) I say simply "fading" of a so-so anodize job.....nature of the beast.......can always replace with a nicer , same era ,vintage XR-3 aluminum frame........we have NOT seen anyone that can replicate the darker finish of those days, all seem to come out about every shade of DARK grey.....
seen a few recently that were Ceracoated' and looked pretty good BUT remember that makes the gun NOT "Original", so can affect value.......nice gun, would like to see a picture
you need to have a few more posts before you can post images or links.
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