Black oxide vs stainless

[armed85]

I'm looking at a $150 difference between a 1911 with a black oxide frame and slide and the same 1911 with a stainless steel frame and slide.

The barrel, bushing, and guide rod in both guns are stainless steel.

Am I really gaining much with stainless over black oxide? I like the look of black more than the silver or metallic grey.

All of my handguns are stainless steel with the exception of my M&P Compact which has a Melonite finish over stainless steel.

 

[dfariswheel]

Black oxide is a finish, and therefore it WILL wear off and look ratty, and it will rust.

Stainless is more rust resistant, and since there IS no finish, the gun will look good for life.
When it does get scratched or marred, you can "refinish" it with a Scotchbrite pad.

 

[philbo]

I like the look of black more than the silver or metallic grey

Personally I'd go with whichever was cheaper everything else being the same, but if you have a preference in color, then you answered your own question. Purely subjective as to which you prefer and how much you're willing to spend to get it.

 

[Alphazulu6]

$150 difference??? I would go with the stainless because it will last forever and I HATE when a gun's finish starts to show wear. Pakerized from a Glock is the only finish I have ever seen to hold up.

 

[armed85]

Since I'm saving $150 I thought I'd go with the black oxide. Once it wears off or when I have finish issues, I'd pay $300 to have Robar NP3.

I assume NP3 is more durable and corrosion resistant than stainless steel.

I could be wrong though. I'm still researching

 

[Alphazulu6]

Once it wears off or when I have finish issues, I'd pay $300 to have Robar NP3.

Get stainless and you dont have to worry about any of it

 

[armed85]

I've seen stainless steel on a Ruger GP100 rust and pit. It's not impervious.

Nickel teflon plating sounds pretty tough. I'm no metallurgist, so I'm still researching.

 

[10-Ring]

I really like the old school bluing, but you really don't see it anymore so, I'd go w/ stainless as a close 2nd

 

[Eightball]

Get whichever looks better to you. That is, after all, why there are so many finishes on so many new weapons these days; oh wait, they're all stainless? Whoops.

Back when people weren't so picky about "if the finish would wear off", there were much more beautiful guns being produced. I would say to buy whichever you think looks better, take care of it, and deal with the after effects later; besides, I for one enjoy the "worn" look of an older gun.