What's the Toughest Pistol Finish?

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Bri-Dog

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I have an SA 1911 bi-tone .45acp. I'm looking to refinish the blued slide in some more wear resistant black finish. I have read about a lot of them:Amor-Tuf, Black T, Robar, et al. Do any of you have any experience with how some these actually hold up?

I'm getting started in IDPA (just on a local level-weekend stuff) and am seeing the slide show some holster wear already. I don't want to just reblue it and have it keep wearing quickly. And I don't want to just parkerize it or paint it tactical black. I'm hoping for something that will keep the general satin finish look, but just be tougher.

I know this is not technically a gunsmithing question, but I thought the folks on this forum might have more experience in the subject than your average owner/operators.

Thanks, I welcome all input-even the sarcastic (in moderation, I hope):p
 
There isn't a black finish that will stay black. The closest you will get is a DLC coating, Derek at Millenium Custom would be a good person to talk to about DLC. Other than that the most durable finish is Melonite like what EGW offers as E-Treat finish, but it won't stay black. The metal won't wear, but the black finish will. Hard chrome is the best finish commonly available, but it isn't offered in black.
 
Ford's offers a black chrome finish, but I have no idea how it differs from standard chrome except in color.
 
Black chrome is a good bit softer than hard chrome. Can't remember the numbers, but IIRC, it's even softer than electroless nickel.

It may be the hardest black finish out there though...but I can't remember if you can get a satin finish.
 
Yes--but...

The black "overcoating" will wear off fairly easily leaving a dull grey finish that is, as you say, "most resistant to any "funk"".

I wonder if it's possible to black chrome over melonite?
 
Which finishes have you used?

I've been researching the Melonite process, and boy, there are lots of back and forth about what it is- and isn't! Tenifer or something else?

Anybody have any pics of a firearm finished with it? I'm definitely leaning that way, would just like to see some real world examples if anyone has them:D
 
From what ive read, Tennifer and Melonite as the same exact thing...only called something different.
 
Metal finishing....

http://www.finishing.com/324/69.shtml

Tennifer and Melonite are trade names for firearm finishing processes that involve salt bath nitriding; so your request is somewhat like asking for a side-by-side comparison of Coke and Pepsi, Jim. Further, the heart of the matter is probably licensing rights rather than technology. I do not have any special inside information, but I believe that Glock will not let the supplier of this finish license it to any other firearms manufacturer; therefore, other firearms manufacturers are using a similar finish but from other chemical suppliers.

Historically, firearm parts were black oxided, which is an oxidation process which is only a few millionths of an inch thick, does not offer corrosion resistance, and doesn't alter the underlying steel. Salt bath nitriding is a case hardening process that leaves a fairly thick, corrosion resistant, hard surface.
Click to expand...
 
My vote goes to refinishing it yourself with Lauer Duracoat. It's proving to be very tough on the guns I've used it on so far. It's a lot cheaper than sending out for finishing.
 
I've never seen any that will stand up all to well to the rigors of competition. But I agree hard chroming is probably the most durable. But what colors is it available in if any but silver?
 
Clean and lube your gun after shooting, wipe the worn areas a little extra with oil or silicone, and put the price of a boutique finish into ammunition. All my guns show wear, but I call it "character."

That is not sarcastic, I have never had a gun refinished except the one that came out purple after being built up from Caspian parts, due probably to old salts or wrong temperature. Wish I had left it as was, it was shading into a bronze tint with age.
 
Duracoat! I've used this on 2 guns and its just incredible. Looks great and is very scratch resistent. I dropped one in gravel(on accident) before the prescribed cure time and was very surprised that there was not 1 scratch chip.
 
Thanks to all

Well, I guess I'll make the decision to not make a decision:rolleyes: I'll leave my pistol as it is, in defference to the suggestions of some Senior members of these forums. If and when it starts looking really worn, maybe I'll do something then.

I appreciate your responses, and maybe if my pistol starts looking shabby I'll post some picks and reintroduce the thread. Til then, honest holster wear it is!
 
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