[kingpin008]

Hey folks -

My fiancee has a 642, and we were in one of our local shops this afternoon, and she got to talking to the owner about it. The subject of how she picked it out came up, and she admitted one of the things that drew her to it was because it was cute.

Well, the talk turned to "girly" guns, and she mentioned wanting a pink gun.

Long story short - How well is a Dura Coat finish (specifically a pink one) going to hold up on a revolver? The shop owner said that they could definitely do it, but he wasn't sure how well it'd hold up over time, due to gasses venting from the muzzle and cylinder gap, and suchlike.

Any advice is appreciated!

[Brian Williams]

Go with Pink grips and settle with that, Or you could do mother of pearl grips and polish the aluminum real bright.

Pink guns are cute not pretty.

[fiVe]

Pink Duracoat on a 642? That's just not right. :eek:

Go with Brian Williams' suggestions. PLEASE!!

[kingpin008]

Go with Pink grips and settle with that, Or you could do mother of pearl grips and polish the aluminum real bright.


Thanks for the opinion, but I'd really rather "settle" for information on how well Dura Coat lasts when applied to revolvers.

Pink guns are cute not pretty.

Respectfully Sir, I disagree. And so does my fiancee. And honestly, what does it matter? If you think they're "cute, not pretty", what does that mean? Does that mean that it's not worth doing? That "cute, not pretty" pink gun would be something that she could take to the range and be even more proud to shoot, something that she could talk about with other shooters, and could feel like was unique to her.

Is that not worth doing? Or is it not worth pursuing because it's simply "cute, not pretty"?

I guess I don't understand why you bothered to respond - I'm asking for (what I thought) was a fairly straightforward piece of information, and I get an answer that has nothing at all to do with my question and in a way, dismisses it as being pointless. I don't mean to sound ungrateful..but as a Moderator, I would hope that if nothing else, you wouldn't add a reply that treated my post like it was simply something silly, and not a serious question. After all, isn't THR supposed to be where people can come for answers?
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Pink Duracoat on a 642? That's just not right.


Go with Brian Williams' suggestions. PLEASE!!

Why is it such a big deal to ask for a little information on a simple Dura Coat process on my fiancee's gun? Who cares what you think looks good or doesn't look good? Can't you understand that I don't need your opinion, I need INFORMATION.

I'm sorry to be so blunt, but it truly bothers me when an individual can't ask a simple question without other people adding their two cents in. And for the record, I don't have a problem with other people's two cents - what I DO have a problem with is when people come, add their two cents, and then leave it at that without even bothering to answer my question. That's rude as hell, and totally unnecessary.

If anyone wants to lock this thread, go for it. I'll ask elsewhere, so I'll actually get an answer.

[Sato Ord]

Why is it such a big deal to ask for a little information on a simple Dura Coat process on my fiancee's gun? Who cares what you think looks good or doesn't look good? Can't you understand that I don't need your opinion, I need INFORMATION.

I'm sorry to be so blunt, but it truly bothers me when an individual can't ask a simple question without other people adding their two cents in. And for the record, I don't have a problem with other people's two cents - what I DO have a problem with is when people come, add their two cents, and then leave it at that without even bothering to answer my question. That's rude as hell, and totally unnecessary.

If anyone wants to lock this thread, go for it. I'll ask elsewhere, so I'll actually get an answer.

Woe, calm down dude.

Someone will come along with your answer in time.

This kind of thing happens on the internet all the time. Everyone has an opinion and most think you are as entitled to their opinion as they are.

As for pink Duracoat, not my cup of tea, but then, you won't find any mauve shirts in my closet either.

What your fiance' finds attractive and fun to shoot is entirely up to her, it's her money to spend any way she likes, especially if it helps encourage her to further her shooting prowess.

This kind of thing happens on horse boards all the time, only it usually goes the other way. Horseback riding has become primarily a woman's endeavor, especially English style. Ask questions about where to find English style riding equipment for men and you get harangued about "sissy saddles" and such. (Personally, since I don't wrangle cattle, but I do sometimes jump, I don't the see the sense in having a saddle horn in the way to catch my man parts if I get thrown.)

Just bear with the BS and someone will be along with the info you seek.

[kingpin008]

Sato - I hear ya. I'm perfectly calm.

It's the principal of the thing, ya know? I mean, sure - I don't expect everyone to be enamored of the idea of a pink gun, but that's not what I asked, is it? If Brian Williams had replied with "well, I think it's the stupidest idea ever, and I think you're a moron for doing it, but here's how you'd go about it" I'd be totally fine with that. I'd be fine with it, because he actually said something useful to me, rather than dropping by, replying with something both completely unhelpful and totally off topic to the post I had made, and leaving it at that.

I expect to have to wade through the occasional off-topic overly opinionated reply, but a Mod should be able to communicate better than that. Which is why I got so upset. I'm over it though.


Just bear with the BS and someone will be along with the info you seek.

Thanks man. I will.

I don't the see the sense in having a saddle horn in the way to catch my man parts if I get thrown.

Lol. I used to ride a bit at a summer camp I went to when I was a kid. I've been thrown by a horse before, and I'll totally agree - sometimes a saddle horn is a bad thing for the rider to encounter while tumbling to the ground.

[BillinNH]

Have you been to this site: www.duracoat-firearm-finishes.com/

It shows a shade called Lady Pink that your fiancee might like.

I have never duracoated a gun but the ones I've seen and the pics I've seen posted seem to show nice results. It's a topcoat so it will eventually wear thin in the usual places. But why not try it since it seems fairly inexpensive. And show us pics of how it comes out.

It may be that worn places can be touched up without redoing the whole gun but I'm not sure about that. Duracoat can tell you, of course.

Good luck with it.

[kingpin008]

Bill - Yeah, the Lady Pink is one of the shades that she's considering. You're right, it is cheap enough that if it doesn't work exactly right, or doesn't last, at least we gave it a shot.

Thanks for the on topic and helpful reply! We'll definitely post pics when/if we have it Dura Coated.

[Sato Ord]

What Billin said.

In fact here's an opportunity for you to score extra points.

Have it done for her. You get to be romantic with firearms (how often does that happen?) and she gets the pink gun.

Then, if it doesn't wear well you get to blame Duracoat, and be hero by having stripped and polished later.

Sounds like a win-win situation for you, and it doens't cost all that much.

Good luck.

[kingpin008]

Sato - Lol. My girl was reading this over my shoulder a few minutes ago, and when she read your last reply, she looked at me and said "he's right - that would be very romantic of you!" So, I guess a few calls to some of the Lauer certified refinishing companies are in order soon. Thanks a lot!:D

For the record - one of our friends (the girl I recently took shooting for the first time and posted about a week or so ago) is now looking to purchase her first gun in the (hopefully) near future. She's been with us to a couple local gun shops since her trip to the range last week, and my fiancee was talking to her about wanting to pink-ify her 642.

Guess what?

Our friend wants a Ruger MK III. A purple one. :D

I think that's partially the reason that I got a little worked up over the first two replies to this thread - it seems to me, that when an individual asks for some help, giving that help should be the first order of the day. After that, feel free to editorialize, because at least you've tried to help.

What if I had made a post about a brand-new shooter, wanting to find a way to make a MK III purple, so she'd be able to enjoy her time at the range more? I guarantee that there would have been a million posts congratulating that new shooter, and links a plenty to sites that would be able to provide that purple MK III.

Know what I mean?

[Sato Ord]

Know what I mean?

Yeah, I do, and I'm all for anything that gets more people to the range to enjoy shooting. I wouldn't personally own a pink gun, but if it works...

One of the ways to keep the antis from deteriorating our rights is to get more people (especially women) involved in shooting, first as a sport, then for self defense. If it takes pink, purple, or polka dots, that's Ok by me.

Remember, the more moms, and potential moms, we see on the range, the less threatening firearms become. That may be a sexist thing to say, but it's also the truth in this society.

[kingpin008]

Exactly the way I figure it. I don't care what my girl or any of her friends who we take shooting want the guns to look like, as long as they enjoy themselves. If that means something other than blued or stainless, so be it. Variety is the spice of life, is it not?

Heck, I've toyed with the idea of a bright pink AR with a glitter-filled clear buttstock for myself, just to trip people out at the range. I'm secure enough in my manhood (and crazy enough) to do it one of these days, too.

[33-805]

Putting these types of finishes on guns is not that difficult a thing to do yourself, if you have the patience. I went to their website and it looks like Lauer does sell it retail, Brownells and others do sell similar coatings. One piece of advice I would add is to make sure you mask off those areas where a buildup could cause trouble. It does tend to get into areas you wouldn't think. I suspect I wasn't very good at it. I also used some of Brownells similar product, so YMMV. Getting it done by a pro is also a good plan, if you do not want the hassle.

As to color. It's her gun. None of anyone else's business. Having been in a real "dark alley" or two, I can affirm that no one was saying anything about the finish on anyone's gun. Wouldn't have minded a fuchsia m60 or a banana yellow m14 with a sky blue barrel! Have fun and post a picture or two. That'll really tick off the people who are shoving their noses into your fiancee's taste!

If I may inject a point here, remember to get her a good flashlight to go with it, maybe get it done the same color. Then she will have the other thing she needs to go with that gun. Except maybe a holster?

[tntwatt]

I was interested in having a tacticool glock done in camo but the cost was prohibitive. Ordered the Duracoat and did it myself, it looked horrible. The Duracoat was great, just my camo technique that sucked. I used some 800grit sand paper and took off the multiple colors and redid it in flat black. The finish is holding up fine.

If you can follow directions, you can do it yourself. I would probably only coat the frame and not the cylinder. I think the metal to metal contact would wear a line around it. The finish will hold up to the powder flash from between the cylinder and barrel with no problem.

[tntwatt]

Oh yeah, I had my wife's AR done by a pro with the real Tiger stripe. Orange and black and white. totally useless except for the fact that she loves it and gets alot of attention at the range.

[kingpin008]

33-805 - Thanks for the reply. I know it's available for individuals to apply at home, but since it's not my gun, and I'm not really handy at all, I'd prefer to leave it to the professionals, lol.

As far as extras to go with it - she's got herself a decent little flashlight, and a small Swiss Army knife. A holster isn't really practical - we don't have CCW here in MD, so carry isn't a possibility right now. When we move, we'll both be taking our CCW licensing exams (wherever we end up) as well as Mas Ayoob's Lethal Force Institute classes, or something similar.

Tntwatt - That's pretty much what I'm worried about. I can follow directions, but in general I'm not much good at painting and suchlike. And since it's not my gun, and we don't have the cash to replace it should we screw up.

That tiger-stripe AR sounds cool - any pics?

[Sato Ord]

If I may inject a point here, remember to get her a good flashlight to go with it, maybe get it done the same color. Then she will have the other thing she needs to go with that gun. Except maybe a holster?

Hey, I can make a custom Kydex holster in about 45 minutes. I'm pretty sure you can get the stuff in pink.:D

[Geezer59]

I've never used Duracoat, so can't attest to its durability. A pink 642 might look really good to your lady right after the new finish is applied, but how's it going to look after a few hundred rounds? Black powder residue smeared all over the new pink finish? Yuck! :barf:

[coyotehitman]

Birdsong black t holds up well. I am not sure if this is applied the same as duracoat, though.

Personally, I wish they would quit painting guns alternate colors altogether. Pink, or any other non traditional gun color, will make an LE hesitate and/or end up getting a kid with a pink squirt gun justifiably shot.

[gb6491]

Here's some food for thought:
Pink camo S&W snubbie (http://www.jimsgunsupply.com/DuraCoat/dc/DuraCoat_Pinkcamo_SW_J_030808.jpg) (Duracoat)

The "Feminized"
Undercover (http://gunblast.com/Charter-PinkB.htm) (This one actually has a less flattering name)

Personally, I think the pink grip suggestion has some merit; at least worth a look. (http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=100426012)

Regards,
Greg

[sixgunner455]

If it's an aluminum frame (like the 642) and you want a permanent color change, it shouldn't be too tough to get it hard anodized in that new color scheme, at least the frame. Like that Taurus linked above.

I can't see any objection that holds water to coloring guns. I hope that my daughter asks me for a pink AR, to tell the truth. I just think that would be cool!

[kingpin008]

Coyote Hitman - I don't want to start a debate, but I think you're 100% wrong on the idea of colored gun somehow causing problems for LEOS. IMHO, police should hesitate before a shooting occurs, for the simple reason that they have a duty to themselves and others to be absolutely sure that an individual pointing an object at them is indeed pointing a gun, before they shoot.

Many things could look like a gun to an officer who's having it pointed at them. Cell phones, combs, sticks, wallets, etc, etc. The officer must stop and evaluate every situation, to be able to determine the proper course of action - this goes for painted guns, as well as all the other totally non-gun objects I've just listed. Guns aren't the problem, no matter what color they come in.

gb6491 - Thanks for the pics - I've searched and searched for a set of pink grips for the 642, but never found them. Perhaps I simply had to contact S&W. Thanks for that. The Charter Arms revolver is interesting too - I'll have my girl check 'em out and see what she thinks.

Sixgunner - That's definitely an idea, thanks!

[stellarpod]

I have a 637 that on a whim decided to have Duracoated in OD green. Don't ask me why. I thought it'd make a nice sidearm while hunting or something. It shortly occurred to me that a .38 Spcl probably wasn't the best option given several other more reasonable choices such as .357 or .44 Mag.

The Duracoat job was done by a local gunsmith. It took him several tries to get it even remotely acceptable. This was no doubt an operator error - not a Duracoat issue. When I finally got the gun I had to clean some of the coating out of the cylinder charge holes, as the cartridges wouldn't slip in.

Bottom line: I've regretted having done this from the moment I got it back. The gun now functions fine, but I feel kind of like a person must feel after getting a tattoo that they wish they hadn't. The Airweight was a nice pleasant natural aluminum color before I screwed it up.

ON THE OTHER HAND, I think it's great that your researching this for her. Anything that can entice a new shooter into a firearms relationship is a good thing in my book.

stellarpod

[coyotehitman]

IMHO, police should hesitate before a shooting occurs, for the simple reason that they have a duty to themselves and others to be absolutely sure that an individual pointing an object at them is indeed pointing a gun, before they shoot.

I understand your perspective, but disagree 100%. It's just not practical. I'll leave it alone on that note.

[kingpin008]

It's not practical to require and officer (or civilian with a ccw) be sure of the individual's intent and ability to do them harm before they open fire?

I don't understand that logic.

But I agree - let's agree to disagree, and save it for another time.

[BillinNH]

Sixgunner mentions pink anodizing.

Check this link for an example.

http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Undercover_53830.html

Bill

Oops! I see someone already posted this. Sorry.

[19-3Ben]

Just an idea, but i know that it used to be (not sure if it still is) that the finish that's on the 642s had a problem with peeling off. If that's the case, you may want to remove the original finish and THEN duracoat over the clean surface rather than trying to duracoat over a surface that may not be stable in the first place.

I have to disagree with people who posted earlier in this thread. If it makes the gun more attractive to HER, that's all that matters. and if she thinks it looks good, then she will want to shoot it more and carry it more, which can ONLY be a good thing.

Remember that guys see a gun like a tool. Girls see it like a fashion accessory.

[Brian Williams]

My biggest problem with a small snub nose being pink is it looks like a toy and if it is picked up by a youngster or even some "doofus" guy they might think it is a toy and "play" with it with out checking to see if it is a real gun. Somebody might get hurt that way. There are a few ARs around here that have been given to a couple of real cute young ladies and Oleg has even photographed them and they look cool, But they still have a "toy" look to them. That said I would not mind a yellow and black "Dewalt" colored AR myself. I have heard some great things about Durocoat and that it wears real well. You might also try some Krylon High temp paint.

[kingpin008]

Brian Williams - Duly noted. I have to say though, that if such a gun were picked up by a child, or a moron and used improperly, that's not the fault of the gun, or the color of the gun. That's the fault of the owner either improperly securing the firearm, or in the case of the moron, them being a moron and lacking the common sense to not leave a gun alone when they don't know how to safely handle it.

I honestly don't understand the point of view of "brightly colored guns are more dangerous than regularly colored guns". It seems to me, that for the reasons I've mentioned above, as well as others, that when properly secured, or properly handled, the color of a gun matters not.

I suppose that's simply my opinion, and of course feel free to take it with a grain of salt.

FWIW - thank you for coming back and explaining yourself a bit more thoroughly - I have to admit (as you might already know) I was pretty...frustrated by your initial comment to this thread - at least now, you've elaborated on your comments, rather than leaving it as it was. I appreciate it.

[publiuss]

I think the idea of a pink gun is great. Not to hijack the thread but Coyotehitman, Birdsong Black T is not just durable, it is the toughest firearms finish available, just ask the Seals.

[LAK Supply]

Kingpin.... I have the info you're asking about.

The DuraCoat finish is the most durable spray-on I've seen. When my partner and I first got into business we Dura-coated a bunch of guns.... I'm not really sure how many but it was in the hundreds. We had a vacuum table set up with multiple air brushes for time purposes. The trick to the coating is to make sure the material being shot is clean and even a little rough... we used to blast everything with alum ox media first. EVERYTHING that did not need shot was tightly masked.... this stuff does not like to come off if you get it somewhere you don't want it.

If the coating is applied correctly it will hold up well. We once did a digital camo job on a customer's G17... he carried it under his seat. His wife got in the car one day and moved the seat forward, crushing the gun between the rails. It came out with a large gouge in the grip.... DuraCoat was still intact in the divot.

If your fiance's gun is shot correctly she will be happy.... if it's not done correctly it will be a mess.

[Master Blaster]

Does your girlfriend plan to carry this gun?, will it be a home defense gun?

I see you are in Maryland, so I doubt you can even get a permit unless you have a business and carry lots of cash, and even then it will be restricted.

Some gun unfriendly jurrisdictions actually have laws against painting a gun a toy like color, now I dont agree with that, but you may want to check.

If she has to use it for self defense you want the gun too look intimidating, not like a toy squirt gun, the fact that you paint it pink may make the badguy doubt its a real gun.
My preference is that the badguy see my gun and run in fear of being shot. That way I won't actually be forced to shoot him/ her.

If she leaves this gun unattended around children or other adults, the pink color may encourage somone to play with it and an accidental shooting may be the result, there could be liability issues attached to your decision to paint it an attractive toy like color.

JMHO YMMV

[kingpin008]

LAK Supply - thanks for the comment - from what you and other have said, Dura Coat is tough to beat. You raise a good point, about making sure that it's applied properly. I can assure you, we don't have the money to replace the gun or have the finish removed and reapplied, so we'll be checking out potential refinishers very carefully before we decide on who we want to do it for us.

MasterBlaster - You're correct - we don't have the ability to legally CCW here in MD, so that's a non-issue. There is a chance that it will be carried by one (or both) of us sometime in the future though.

As far as home defense - yes, we do sometimes keep this as our home gun. I understand your concern about a brightly colored gun possibly making a home invader think it's just a toy, but I can assure you - if an individual invades our home, and gives us reason to point a gun at them, they'll have no doubt how real it is. I'd much rather make sure that the gun functions properly and she's comfortable using it than worry about the color. But I know what you mean. :)

Maryland has no prohibition on painted or colored guns, thankfully. We also live in a house free of small children, so that's not a concern. It's just me, her and my dad, and he's not the type to go messing around in our things (especially our guns) without us knowing first. But even if he did, he's smart enough to handle them properly and safely.