110 brass smell

R

Ruger 44 Redhawk

Joined
Feb 19, 2021
Messages
193
So, I've made an observation on my 110's. The newer 110's with the rounded bolsters have a really strong brass/oxidation/metal smell to them. However, the 1980-81 3 dots with squared bolsters I have that smell is non-existent. Anyone have any idea why that is? The color of the brass on the 1980-81 3 dots are a lighter shade than the newer ones. Maybe they used a different composition back then? They do feel harder than the newer smelly bolsters. Yet another reason why I love these 3 dot 110's over the newer ones.
 
Copper and brass are antimicrobial, so at least there's nothing to worry about.
 
All my brass 110 smell including the old ones. I can merely pick it up and set it right back down and its on my hands.
 
don't have any older 110s. do handle old brass fittings a lot at work very old ones and newer ones. there is different grades of brass, but they all smell. as st8yd says they all leave a metallic strong smell on my hands. same with copper and bronze.
 
Call me weird, but I’ve always liked it. It seems that both my old and new 110 and 112’s have that characteristic smell, but I also like the smell of Zippo lighter fluid and burnt rubber at the drag-strip among other things. 🤪
 
You can lose the stink by switching to Titanium. I don't even like the smell of sterling Silver. Gold is pleasantly odor and taste free.
 
longbow1968 said:
Call me weird, but I’ve always liked it. It seems that both my old and new 110 and 112’s have that characteristic smell, but I also like the smell of Zippo lighter fluid and burnt rubber at the drag-strip among other things. 🤪
Click to expand...
Ha, agreed. I've always liked the smell of that Bronson lighter fluid for Zippo's. I don't really mind the brass smell, just making an observation that my 3 dot '80-'81 has zero brass smell. But it also feels like it's harder and a lighter color compared to my newer 110's.
 
I have found when they gain an even patina the smell goes away. I haven’t noticed different brass in use on the 110’s, but the brass pommel on my sons 120 is drastically different. Still no odor.

I think some people have different ph levels and it effects brass differently for them.
 
Last edited:
eveled said:
I have found only they gain an even patina the smell goes away. I haven’t noticed different brass in use on the 110’s, but the brass pommel on my sons 120 is drastically different. Still no odor.

I think some people have different ph levels and it effects brass differently for them.
Click to expand...
Exactly. You can't smell metal. That would mean it was subliming at room temp.

You smell your body's reaction to the metal.
 
I can smell iron. When I got cut bad last October I could smell iron from the blood loss. I can also smell it when filing iron. I haven’t noticed when filing brass, aluminum or copper until it gets hot. It could be a chemical or heat reaction that gives an odor Idk. I can taste carbon steel but not stainless. It’s odd how things can effect different people.
 
Ruger 44 Redhawk said:
Ha, agreed. I've always liked the smell of that Bronson lighter fluid for Zippo's. I don't really mind the brass smell, just making an observation that my 3 dot '80-'81 has zero brass smell. But it also feels like it's harder and a lighter color compared to my newer 110's.
Click to expand...
ya I always liked the smell of Grampa's zippo, but hated the smoke.
My 2 dot 112, 3 dot 110, no dot 110 and 50th 110 all smell. Ea have different stages of patina, but I would imagine if they were all polished at the same time they would be the same color.
 
Danke42 said:
Exactly. You can't smell metal. That would mean it was subliming at room temp.

You smell your body's reaction to the metal.
Click to expand...
Interesting. It's weird though, if I polish a newer one and polish the 3 dot with brass cleaner and only hold them in the middle by the wood without making contact with the brass, the newer ones's still give off a strong odor where the 3 dot doesn't. Currently I've been handling both without polishing either and the newer one's just have a much stronger smell they give off while that 3 dot doesn't. So you're saying it's actually the potential of hydrogen of an individuals oils in their skin that creates that reaction causing the oxidized metal smell.
 
OP, can you compare the weight ? I'm just guessing there is more copper in the newer ones, should show on the scale.

Roland.
 
Ruger 44 Redhawk said:
Interesting. It's weird though, if I polish a newer one and polish the 3 dot with brass cleaner and only hold them in the middle by the wood without making contact with the brass, the newer ones's still give off a strong odor where the 3 dot doesn't. Currently I've been handling both without polishing either and the newer one's just have a much stronger smell they give off while that 3 dot doesn't. So you're saying it's actually the potential of hydrogen of an individuals oils in their skin that creates that reaction causing the oxidized metal smell.
Click to expand...
Pretty much that. Some people don't smell a thing because their personal chemistry doesn't cause a reaction.
 
brass smell on a 110? tell me about it ..
all i get is the overpowering smell of brasso

Brasso - Wikipedia



but i'ld say this,
you ain't smelt brass
until you catch a whiff
from a brass wind mouthpiece
on second thoughts that
would be suicidal...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top