I rust blued a Ruger #1 with Laurel Mountain Forge Barrel Brown and Degreaser. The receiver did not color nearly as well as the barrel. It remained grayish-black while the barrel and lever came out a nice blue-black. Since the lever is also cast, I don't think investment casting has any effect on bluing. However, the steel alloy certainly does.
I did have a New Mod. Blackhawk charcoal blued and the frame came out a very nice dark blue-black, essentially matching the cylinder and barrel. So, there is a way to get a good blue besides ordinary hot salts bluing.
RAN
