Tanaka M500 (Midnight Blue Version)

[Blade{a}]

So I just received my M500 and this gun is AWESOME! The finish is near perfect - just need to rub it down to get all the factory oils off. Doing that, reveals the smooth, smokey finish Tanaka has applied and it is very VERY sexy.

To be honest, I don't really like the look of most revolvers, but this one was irresistible! Since the blued steel is somewhat delicate, this will primarily be a plinking showpiece; I figure I already have several skirmish-worthy pistols.

My apologies, but my photo doesn't do the M500 justice. Oh, and did I mention this thing is HUGE - I figure 1.5 times the length of my Desert Eagle.

By the way, does anyone know if this gun can handle Propane well? I've been using duster in it so far.

[Greylocks]

If it's really as good a blueing job as it appears, all you need is a very light use of silicone oil to keep it looking like new.
Very nice piece.

[Styrak]

It's all STEEL?

[Blade{a}]

Originally Posted by Greylocks

If it's really as good a blueing job as it appears, all you need is a very light use of silicone oil to keep it looking like new.
Very nice piece.

Yep, after I wiped the factory oils down I applied a light coating of silicone oil. And the finish is extremely smooth - no dimples or dust under the blued 'paint', etc. The only place that I can see getting scratched is the area where the cylinder central pin contacts the frame. Luckily, this is only visible when you swing out the cylinder.

Originally Posted by Styrak

It's all STEEL?

I believe only the cylinder, trigger and other small parts are metal. The frame is plastic, probably ABS, just a good paint job. It's still quite heavy and I plan on adding a 1/2" steel rod in the outer barrel assembly (there's a long, narrow channel) which should add to the overall feel of the gun.

[amano999]

I run propane in my M500 and it works fine. The thing fires hard on propane tho around 400 fps.

[Styrak]

Originally Posted by Blade{a}

I believe only the cylinder, trigger and other small parts are metal. The frame is plastic, probably ABS, just a good paint job. It's still quite heavy and I plan on adding a 1/2" steel rod in the outer barrel assembly (there's a long, narrow channel) which should add to the overall feel of the gun.

You see, I was confused when you said

Originally Posted by Blade{a}

Since the blued steel is somewhat delicate,...

[Mysteryfish]

...blued steel [finish]...

I had a tanaka revolver that I ran on propane succesfully for quite some time.

I don't know what it was doing to the internals, but it worked.

Strange fact: It would leak if I tried to use duster after having used propane in it, but would not leak while using propane.

Tanaka makes great revolvers. For the sake of curiosity, if you ever get the chance, take a look at how remarkably similar the internals are to an actual S&W revolver... it's strange.

I had to replace a component on mine and was able to swap directly with a real component.

[Blade{a}]

Originally Posted by Mysteryfish

...blued steel [finish]...

I had a tanaka revolver that I ran on propane succesfully for quite some time.

I don't know what it was doing to the internals, but it worked.

Strange fact: It would leak if I tried to use duster after having used propane in it, but would not leak while using propane.

Tanaka makes great revolvers. For the sake of curiosity, if you ever get the chance, take a look at how remarkably similar the internals are to an actual S&W revolver... it's strange.

I had to replace a component on mine and was able to swap directly with a real component.

I've never heard that before and I'm glad to hear it. I'll definitely have to check it out if I ever get the chance.

And I'll try propane after I finish this fill. Damn this thing is powerful and accurate!