is a stainless slide worth $20 extra?

I don't like two-tone, so I would spend the $20 on ammo

For a semi-auto carry gun, IMO, it's well worth the extra $20

That's something only you can decide. $20 isn't much compared to the total cost of a pistol, and it's not something you can really change your mind on later on. If you think the stainless slide looks better, by all means get it.

is parkerized not an option? if not, go with the stainless slide. blued guns scratch easy, especially when it's going in and out of holster constantly. blueing can wear off after prolonged exposure to sweat and the oils on our skin. keep in mind though, stainless steel will make the gun heavier.

I voted cosmetic, because even holster wear is still a cosmetic rather than functional issue. Also, for a carry gun the stainless might be more noticeable than a blued finish. However, if you carry IWB the stainless will be more resistant to staining and corrosion.

Carry: Stainless

Range/HD: whatever looks better to you

keep in mind though, stainless steel will make the gun heavier.

Click to expand...

I'd be surprised if the slide isn't already made of steel (along with almost every modern-semi auto ). I don't know about the finishing process as far as stainless is concerned. Bluing is just a chemical process as far as I know, but I'd say you are paying $20 for some sort of blasting or polishing process.

Without question, stainless is more durable and corrosion resistant. It's great for carry.

Perhaps someone could chime in on why stainless would be more....? I've wondered about this before.

Yes, it is worth the extra $20. For the corrosion resistance factor not the pretty factor. The major downside for people like me who don't like to clean their guns is that SS tend to show burnt powder much easier.

$20 extra is a small price to pay for a better grade of steel. I would do it.

Perhaps someone could chime in on why stainless would be more....?

Click to expand...

The steel in the normal blued slide is not stainless. If it were, it couldn't be "blued" in the traditional sense. The stainless slide is produced separately from a different, slightly more expensive, and slightly harder to machine material. As a result, it costs a bit more.

For that little price difference I would get the stainless.

I really dislike two tone handguns. For me I would first look to see if a melontie type finish was avalible for the slide. But short of one of the space age uber tough coating I would surely pick stainless. If it's to bright for your tastes you can have the slide beadblasted or you can give it a once over with a scotchbrite pad and it'll take the glare off the finish of the slide.

Actually full stainless is easily worth an extra $40, the whole gun SS. I agree with those who don't like two tone.

I would have to say YES. Like many have said SS is much more rust resistant and you will not notice scratches as easy on a SS slide pistol.

I carry my 1911A1 but like my stainless Ruger P90DC for under the pillow. My 1911A1 started getting suface rust as my bed gun, no problem with the Ruger SS.