CCW Option - black or stainless finish

[Lovesbeer99]

OK I'm looking into a new carry piece. I've narrowed it down, but for this discussion the piece itself is not important. I like the one in stainless or nickel, but some people have told me that black is the only way to go. If I have a shiney gun couldn't that also be a good thing?

Thanks
Lovesbeer99

[Hawk]

It's concealed. I don't know offhand why the color would matter.

...but some people have told me that black is the only way to go. ninjas?

[armed85]

I have had two stainless steel guns rust and pit. Whereas, I have never had a blued steel gun rust or pit.

I have no experience with nickel plating, but stainless steel isn't as corrosion resistant as people think it is.

You will need to oil and care for a stainless steel gun just as carefully as a blued steel gun.

I don't know the technical specifics, but I have heard many times that the stainless steel used in firearms isn't as corrosion resistant as the stainless steel used in outdoor applications because of the need for increased strength or metal hardness. In other words, there are different "degrees" of stainless and firearms have the lower degree of corrosion resistance.

If what you're looking for is corrosion resistance, Tenifer (Glock) or Melonite (Smith & Wesson M&P, Springfield XD, etc.) is superior to stainless steel.

If you like the way shiny guns look, then by all means, buy what you want. I prefer a black look on firearms personally.

[The Lone Haranguer]

For concealed carry, IMO it matters not at all what color it is from the standpoint of concealment, since no one can see it anyway. :p You will not be "presenting" your handgun until the last possible moment, and then you want it to be seen.

[Ala Dan]

On some occassions, I carry a snub nose revolver such as a S&W model
442 or 642 in a Bianchi model #6 IWB holster; whereas the grip is in an
exposed position. For such occassion, I prefer the 442 as it blends in
better with my clothing; and most people don't even notice it~! :cool: ;)

[Lonestar49]

...

For the most part, as one does not react to any glare that may reflect into one's eyes or show the BG's eyes where one is.. And the other blends into the night, and offers no glare anytime.

Either flat Black or a matted flat finish, for the most part, with any of my guns that go out into the concrete jungle with me.

IMHO


Ls

[DMK]

I like polymer, SS or aluminum alloy for carry guns, mainly because it resists rust and corrosion. Sweat contains a lot of nasty things you body is trying to get rid of and is highly corrosive.

I can't see any advantage to a certain color for a civilian, except that you wouldn't want a gun that looks like a fake, trainer or toy (no bright blue or bright orange guns for example). Although I have seen some folks recommend that you want the gun to be clearly identifiable so the attacker knows you've drawn a gun and may flee or at least stop the attack based on fear of getting shot. That, obviously would be the best outcome once you've drawn a deadly weapon.

[BigBlock]

Stainless guns are better looking. Period.



It seems some here are trying to suggest stainless guns are less corrosion resistant than other guns. That is pure stupidity.

[Bullett]

I occasionally carry a blued 1911 A1, sometimes a stainless Walther PPKs but most often a stainless Ruger SP101 and never has the finish made one iota of difference. It's the gun that counts and for me, I carry the one that is best comfortably concealed by the clothing of the day. :)

- Ian

[glockman19]

I too have both a S&W 642 & 442. What I'm wearing dictates the CCW I carry. I will also carry a Glock 26, Ultra or Pro Kimber too. IMHO a blued Balcked gun is easier to conceal and isn't as noticable when drawn.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Ala Dan makes a good point about some colors blending in with clothing better than others. "Printing" of this sort can be largely avoided with the right clothing, but not always. IMO, one reason the S&W 3913 LadySmith pistol has the light coloring (even the grips are a light grey) that it does is that a black gun could show through the thin fabrics that some women's clothing have. Personally, the only "label" I wear is Dickies. :neener:

[jaydubya]

If I pull a weapon, it will be for a very good reason. Therefore I want it to be very visible in my hand. Stainless, or better yet, incandescent.
Cordially, Jack

[Prince Yamato]

should your shirt come up and your weapon be exposed, I'd go with a black holster and a black gun. It'll look like a cell-phone or pda. Most people can tell the stainless and wood of a gun, but black on black is more difficult.

[2TransAms]

I agree with the first reply. I don't see why it matters. I'm pretty sure I'd know a gun when I see it pointed at me,no matter what color it is.

[Super Trucker]

For the most part, as one does not react to any glare that may reflect into one's eyes or show the BG's eyes where one is.. And the other blends into the night, and offers no glare anytime.

Either flat Black or a matted flat finish, for the most part, with any of my guns that go out into the concrete jungle with me.


Not to be rude but chances are you can't legaly carry a gun in Kommiefornia anyway, so how would you know anything about "glare" on a CONCEALED weapon? If you can legaly carry I appoligise, but will recomend that you buy a good holster and good concealment cloths and not watch so much TV. Once the weapon leaves the leather there should be less than 1 second before muzzle flash occurs.


Back to the original question, Some say that glare from the SS guns is bad, well I say BS. The only thing that should be seen on your concealed gun is the large flame that comes out the end of it after discharge. I only buy silver guns whenever possible. I do this because I think they look better and they are easier to clean (you can see the gun powder on the silver finish easier) So unless you are going to go to war with a small country, or be a knuckle head and flash your gun all over the place, get the one that you want.

I wear light colored shirts, and can promise you that a black gun WILL show through the shirt easier than a silver one will. So cross that of the "I heard once" list. And also on my caucasion skin if my shirt rides up when I bend over which color do you think will be easier to see black or silver?

No offence intended to anybody, I just can't be politically correct all the time.

[81k5guy]

My Ruger P 345 is blued,didnt want the stainless .Not for any specific reason other than I liked the way the blued one looked better.

[strat81]

If corrosion resistance is what you're after, get a Glock, XD, or M&P. If you want discretion, get a matte finish, preferably black. If you must go glossy, get blue over nickel or stainless.

I don't think anyone NEEDS a shiny gun. In the event you need to draw your handgun in self-defense, I'm pretty sure the person you're pointing it at will see it, regardless of the color.

I carry a Glock and it hasn't rusted, even rubbing against my sweaty body (gross!) while mowing the lawn over the summer. I wipe it down with a very light coat of CLP to be safe.

[md7]

i doesn't matter much to me. i ccw a glock and a 642. the glock hasn't rusted or been detected, and neither has the 642. although with shallow pockets the silver on the handle could be seen. that is why i try to dress accordingly.

as for having to (hopefully never) draw the weapon and use it, i don't think color of it would matter. that is just my opinion.

[bikerbill]

Since the only person who's likely to see it will probably not be around to discuss your color choice, get what you like. Personally, I prefer black for CC, plus they're usually a bit cheaper.

----

When they kick at your front door,
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun?

[DWARREN123]

Darkened/blackened stainless!

[Prince Yamato]

Not to be rude but chances are you can't legaly carry a gun in Kommiefornia anyway, so how would you know anything about "glare" on a CONCEALED weapon

Not all of CA is Los Angeles or San Francisco. There are many counties in CA that are basically "shall-issue".

[bpisler]

I prefer stainless over blued,my sweat
is pretty harsh and living in Az there
is plenty of it.

[Guitargod1985]

How about "black stainless?"

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/eclipse/eclipsetarget.php

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=18

Now to me that's a sexy finish.

I'm not certain if the gun you're looking at comes in this finish, but if so you should consider it.

[Im283]

Get whatever you like best. No one should see anyway. Though I do believe a stainless makes a better barbecue gun for those open carry days.

And in spite of what some of you believe your gun looks like a gun. It does not look like a cell phone or any other communication device. It looks like a gun.

[Wopasaurus]

As far as concealability goes, I don't think color is going to matter.

When you draw it, a BG seeing a stainless pistol might recognize it and stop his potential attack. But on the other hand... you should never draw your pistol without full intentions to use it at a moment's notice.

I don't think clothes matter, I have a black XD I keep in a black holster. I wear white shirts all the time, and no one is the wiser. And I'm a young guy, and I don't wear baggy clothes. I wear men's smalls/mediums in t shirts. So as long as you know what you're doing, and find what works for you, you won't have any problems.

[stevemis]

I've turned all of my stainless and blued carry pistols into pitted disasters. I've found CZ's polycoat finish to be incredibly resilient... I alternate between several CZ's (depending on dress, etc) and haven't done any damage whatsoever.

It's quite possible the aftermarket/DIY spray-on finishes have similar properties.

[Zach S]

Stainless guns are better looking. Period.
I disagree. You cabt find a prettier gun than a 1911 with nice bluing and wood grips.

That said, all of my pistols are stainless with rubber grips, with the exception of my beater (glock 19). Yes, I know stainless used in guns will rust. But its still lower maintenance than bluing or parkerizing.

The only stainless pistols I've had problems with were a Para Companion (still in a zip lock bag covered in CLP waiting on hard chrome), and a Colt 1991A1. The Colt did hold up much better than the Para.

I've only had one kimber rust. Left my rangebag in the floor of my closet for about three weeks with the pistol inside... I'm gonna try to blast it this weekend.

[texas bulldog]

I disagree. You cabt find a prettier gun than a 1911 with nice bluing and wood grips.

sure i can...a 1911 in stainless...

[Bullett]

I have three handguns in stainless but the 1911 is a beautiful deep, glossy blue and it's probably the sexiest gun I've got. Only have rubber grips on it for now but I'm thinking heavily on some nice rosewoods or similar. :cool:

[Oldskoolfan]

Originally posted by Super Trucker: Not to be rude but chances are you can't legaly carry a gun in Kommiefornia anyway, so how would you know anything about "glare" on a CONCEALED weapon? If you can legaly carry I appoligise, but will recomend that you buy a good holster and good concealment cloths and not watch so much TV. Once the weapon leaves the leather there should be less than 1 second before muzzle flash occurs.


Back to the original question, Some say that glare from the SS guns is bad, well I say BS. The only thing that should be seen on your concealed gun is the large flame that comes out the end of it after discharge. I only buy silver guns whenever possible. I do this because I think they look better and they are easier to clean (you can see the gun powder on the silver finish easier) So unless you are going to go to war with a small country, or be a knuckle head and flash your gun all over the place, get the one that you want.

I wear light colored shirts, and can promise you that a black gun WILL show through the shirt easier than a silver one will. So cross that of the "I heard once" list. And also on my caucasion skin if my shirt rides up when I bend over which color do you think will be easier to see black or silver?

No offence intended to anybody, I just can't be politically correct all the time.

:rolleyes: You can carry in a lot of places in California. Where is Kommiefornia?

Not to be rude but chances are you are not familiar with spell check.

[rocinante]

I just got a Bersa 380cc in blue. The part of when you want it to be seen YOU WANT IT TO BE SEEN struck me. It is a small pistol and if it was lighter colored it would show up much better. My vote for a little flashier with a practical purpose.

[KBintheSLC]

I wouldn't mind having a natural stainless finish... but Glock doesn't make one. :)

[JV_2108]

How about "black stainless?"

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols...ipsetarget.php

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=18

Now to me that's a sexy finish.

I'm not certain if the gun you're looking at comes in this finish, but if so you should consider it.

Got to admit I like the black stainless look as well. :)

Any revolvers like that?

[Oldskoolfan]

That black stainless looks interesting.

[mpmarty]

You will not be "presenting" your handgun until the last possible moment, and then you want it to be seen.
__________________ Correction, and then you want it to be heard.

[curmudgeon and anarchist]

Stainless vs. Black +/-

- heavier to carry all day
+ handles recoil better
- is more visible if your coat should blow open
+ is less subject to corrosion
+ more effective you if you have to bonk someone on the head with it
+ has been know to turn zombies away on sight
:rolleyes:

[S&Wfan]

It matters not the least . . . and it matters a LOT . . . depending on the person and his/her mindset and personality.

To some, a firearm is just a tool. To others, it is a statement of who they are. Ford Taurus or Corvette? Honda Accord or Cadillac? Gold Wing or Harley? Geo Metro or Hummer?

I personally like my firearms to look nice, but I have 'em in all types of metals and finishes.

I started loving Stainless Steel and my toting gun was a 3" barrelled Model 65 S&W .357. Then, I fell in love with the bright blue slide of a Colt Series 80 "Combat Elite (bright polished blue slide/stainless frame).

Then I became a huge fan of the bright blued S&W wheelguns over all that stuff.

I never cared for the "Tupperware" though . . . and even managed to keep a Glock for about five days once before giving it to my son. However, as a "better than nuthin'" firearm, I confess to having a well broken in Keltec P32.

MY MAIN CCW FIREARMS TODAY:

1. Kimber Ultra CDP - Two-tone gorgeous with an anodized black aluminum frame and a matte stainless slide. Ambi-safety (I'm a lefty), nightsights and other features make this little 1911 compact quite a potent package.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/246/246167/folders/233364/2068138ULTRA.jpg

2. 1964 S&W Model 36 "Chief's Special" in bright polished nickle - This new (to me) snubby has quickly found a virtual "always" position in my front pocket. It is gorgeous and shoots really well. Since I love wheelguns best, this little J frame is something I truly enjoy toting.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/363/363373/folders/277718/2216018IMG2411.JPG
And . . . with ten yard accuracy like this (standing, unsupported) . . . this little "J" frame inspires a lot of confidence in a concealable package! I keep it stoked with .38spl. 158gn. LSWC-HP +P ammo.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/363/363373/folders/277718/2216021M36at10yds.b.jpg

[IMTHDUKE]

It's hard to hide, but easy on the eyes.


http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com/images/GUNS/python.jpg

[AZ_Rebel]

Stainless vs. Black +/-

- heavier to carry all day
+ handles recoil better
...
...
+ more effective you if you have to bonk someone on the head with it

Could you explain why you think these statements are true when comparing a Stainless Steel to a Black Steel gun?:confused:

[jeepmor]

If you're concerned about corrosion, your holster selection in more important than your gun selection. I prefer a holster with the the leather protruding up and covering the slide above the grip where it touches my love handles.

On custom holsters, I specifically request this or don't order it. Most holsters do address this already. If they are not there, a metal slide and frame up against your body on a cold day is annoying and will have you fidgeting with it more often. Gets annoying it hot weather also because you'll sweat more where it contacts your body. Sweat has salt in it, salt is an electrolyte, metals don't like electrolytes because they accelerate corrosion, a lot.

This is another reason I like poly guns. Plus, they're more pleasant to plink in the winter. Shooting in freezing condtions with a metal framed firearm detracts from my enjoyment.

[lance22]

I carry both blued and stainless. Because I carry IWB, nobody ever sees it so the color becomes moot. What does matter is the resiliance of the finish. My blued guns look much more worn for their time because blue is the weakest finish ever put on a gun. My stainless still looks flawless.

I often hear that dark guns conceal better and I won't dispute that - I'll only add that I've carried stainless every day for years w/o any problem.

[SgtKnuckles]

I have Blue-Black, and Stainless Guns... and the last three I bought were Stainless...

~Pondering Gun Finishes~and my Polished Stainless Judge~
I have handled the Blue (Mirror Black) Judge...Nice, but they showed smudges, fingerprints, dust, and grazing just like a Black Car... Yikes... Plus it may ware through to Steel on rub points (holster ware)(re-bluing to fix)

I own a satin finished Stainless Steel .45 it doesn't show them smudges, and fingerprints, but you still have to be careful of Grazing, or Wearing (holster ware) through the Satin sand blasted finish (re-sandblasting to fix)

Polished Stainless Judge... Lets have the Judge with the Bling Bling...<:-)) Also it is the Easyest to clean, and all Grazing (fine scratches) can be removed with some metal polish... Plus holsters wearing on high points just make it shinier... The smudges, and fingerprints don't show as much as they do on the Black Judge...
We Gunner's with Polished Stainless Steel Guns, can Polish The Dog Sheet out of our GUNS WITHOUT FEAR of Rubbing Through the Finish... (I use BRASSO)(you use what you like)... We can RUB to our hearts content... And the Gun Just Keeps Getting Shinier...<:-))

~My Stainless Combat Target .45)
http://members.aol.com/normtrudeau/LASERAIM.jpg

~My Home Defense Judge~
http://members.aol.com/normtrudeau/SgtKnuckles_JudgeandHolster.jpg

WalMart (grocery~cleaning supplies)
http://www.stanleylondon.com/brasso.jpg

The UltraLite Judge Satin Aluminum frame will mar&graze just like the Satin Stainless, or Black Steel Judge...

~GET THE ONE YOU WANT~
Don't worry about an extra $50 bucks to get the Gun You Want~not the Gun that's $50 bucks less because its the AMMO that will far surpass the Cost of the Gun over time (bullets cost Bucks)... You won't have Buyers Remorse over a few dollars more... You'll smile just looking at the Gun if you get the Gun you really want...<:-))

~My Stainless BUG~and the Stainless Metal Spec's~
http://tinyurl.com/yttjrw

~North American Arms uses 17-4 pH stainless steel~
17-4 PH® is a martensitic
precipitation-hardening stainless steel that
provides an outstanding combination of
high strength, good corrosion resistance,
good mechanical properties at temperatures
up to 600°F (316°C), good toughness
in both base metal and welds, and shorttime,
low-temperature heat treatments
that minimize warpage and scaling. This
versatile material is widely used in the
aerospace, chemical, petrochemical, food
processing, paper and general metalworking
industries.
CORROSION RESISTANCE
17-4 PH Stainless Steel withstands
corrosive attack better than any
of the standard hardenable stainless
steels and is comparable to Type 304 in
most media.

~Stainless Steel Types~
http://www.bosunsupplies.com/StainlessInfo2.cfm
__________________________________________________

~I would say there is a need to do some Heat Treating ( hardenable) to make it suitable for Gun Stress~
Stainless Gun Frames Being made out of "Lower Grade 304 Stainless Steel" which has Impurities and Porosity (304 is the exact same Grade of Stainless that's used to make them Stainless Steel exhaust pipes on new cars)(because of the Nickel, they will Patina just like my Chinese low grade Stainless Steel BBQ Grill)... (I use WD-40)(You use what turns you on) Put it on them Stainless Guns Gunner's, and Keep them GUN's in the house and not outside by the grill, and they will shine as long as you own them...<:-))

There are higher Grades of Stainless Steel that are more Stain and Corrosion resistance (Marine Grade) actually Stainless Steel is miss named... It should be called (Stains Less)... A Magnet will not stick to the Highest Grades of Stainless Steels...!!! You will find that a Magnet sticks to SS Guns... The Highest Grade Stainless Steel is used in Air Plane Turban Engine Exhaust Stacks (pipes)... Can't afford to have any Cracked Exhaust Pipes...!!!

http://members.aol.com/normtrudeau/2000Yards.gif

[Super Trucker]

Originally posted by Tecumseh: You can carry in a lot of places in California. Where is Kommiefornia?

Not to be rude but chances are you are not familiar with spell check.


There wasn't a need for spell check in my post was there? You knew exactly where I was referring to. Had I used the letter C it may have slipped by.
When I posted "you can't carry", I meant the poster I quoted, not just anybody.
And on your comment (since you want to get technical) I can not carry in that state or yours for that matter, but thanks for your input.

[silverking]

When I read comments about pitting and rusting, I can only assume the weapon isn't being cared for properly or the materials involved are really inferior. Does anyone who carries on a daily basis NOT take a good look at their weapons on a regular schedule to be sure they are clean?
Anyway, stainless or blued or matte finish or plated nice and shiney, they are all nice looking if that is one's concern. Me ? ---I expect them to perform as designed when needed.

[silverking]

When I read comments about pitting and rusting, I can only assume the weapon isn't being cared for properly or the materials involved are really inferior. Does anyone who carries on a daily basis NOT take a good look at their weapons on a regular schedule to be sure they are clean?
Anyway, stainless or blued or matte finish or plated nice and shiney, they are all nice looking if that is one's concern. Me ? ---I expect them to perform as designed when needed.

[The Bushmaster]

Silverking nailed it...It really doen't matter which one you carry..It's how well and often you inspect and care for the weapon. I carry a blued auto in the summer and a nickel plated revolver in the winter. Both get the same inspection and care every evening. Unloaded, inspected inside and out without a complete disassembly. A patch with just a smidgen of Hoppe's #9 ran down the barrel and chambers, wiped down with a Hoppe's #9 dampened cloth and reloaded. The nickel plated revolver is wiped down with a dry cloth.

[Alan Fud]

To answer the original question of whether "black or stainless finish" ... I say both -- black frame AND stainless steel cylinder ...

http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/F211-0.JPG
click on photo to see larger image (http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/F211.JPG)

[RustyShackelford]

Many well known gun writers always say; " A carry piece should feel like a well used bar of soap." ;)
This is good advice. I also say if you want to protect your CCW weapon/weapons get a good plate job like Robar's NP3 or Accurate Plating and Weaponry's Ceragard. www.robarguns.com www.apwcogan.com

I have had NP3 plated weapons in the past. They assist in protecting the firearm and ease cleaning because of the nickel/teflon base, :D.

It's not cheap but if you have the time and $$$ it's worth it. Your carry guns will last for years in all weather conditions. The NP3 is also low glare. I would not suggest the RoBar Rogard coating. My Beretta 96D frame got a lot of peeling and nicks. When my old 96D was plated with NP3 I never had that issue with any of the parts(frame/slide/barrel).

SIG and HK make great black plate jobs for the standard pistols that are highly rated by LE and US military sources.
-Rusty S

[m1009]

Well, guess it's up to your personal preference. I always clean my guns right after going to the range, so not worried about that aspect. I now carry a stainless, just like the look of it. Had blued guns for quite a long time, and still like them. I don't buy into the glare aspect, with enough experience, you shouldn't have that worry. The blued guns, I think, just maybe blend in better against clothing, should you have an accidental 'flash'
when carrying. Just enjoy what ever one you choose!:D