Best all around black gun finish?

[JellyJar]

I have often thought of getting an old revolver, like a Colt DS or 2.3 inch Model 10, that needed some TLC like being refinished. A gun that would not lose value for being repaired, refinished or even modified.

So if I wanted a good all around black finish that is durable, corrosion resistant with good lubricity what would be the best? I have used Google several times trying to find an answer to this question but I get confused.

 

[postalnut25]

Robbie Barrkman has a black plating that can be applied to firearms. It's supposed to be very durable. It supposedly passed some military trials where it was exposed to 1,000 hours of salt spray, then was fired without lubrication. I want to say the name is Roguard, but don't quote me on it.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

Check out Robar's Rogaurd - it (and their NP3 finish) is generally regarded as the standard that all other finishes try to attain:

http://www.robarguns.com/roguard.htm

 

[Geezer Glide]

I have a Ruger Security Six that had almost no bluing left. I had a friend to re-finish it with Cerecoat. The stuff is tough as nails and looks pretty decent.

 

[raz-0]

For a nice pretty black, ionbond is nice. Expensive, but nice. However, it isn't corrosion resistant.

If the gun is carbon steel rather than stainless, and doesn't have any think areas that get stressed, melonite will make it black and corrosion resistant. But it may come out slightly blotchy (aka nitrocarburizing). Due to heat level, thin parts can be made a bit more brittle.

Ceracoat is affordable, reasonably tough, and with good surface prep and application can be pretty.

Then there are the teflon and epoxy coatings. But ceracoat seems to be a bit more durable and about the same price unless you are doing it yourself.

I don't see why you couldn't get the thing melonited and have ceracoat put on top to get corrosion resistance and predictable looks.

 

[robctwo]

I had three 1911s IonBonded. Very nice. No experience with any corrosion, but they are not daily carry guns, and get babied after range trips.





IonBond puts almost no layer on the metal which is nice with close tolerances.

 

[pingpingping]

Blue is the best black for an old revolver.

 

[GoodKat]

Boron carbide, if you can get it.

 

[8emem]

Visit www.black-t.com. I had a 1927 Argentine 1911 and one magazine re-done a number of years ago with the black finish and it has proven durable. Looks great as well. I had a chance to speak with the owner (now deceased, I guess) when I placed my order and he shared a lot of information about what my options were and made sure everything would be done just right. Back then he indicated that he was doing a lot of military work, saving the taxpayers some money. The price was about $125, if I remember correctly.

 

[Red Cent]

I had my M97 Winchester sent to Walter,owner of Black-T. Been about six years and Walter was in bad health. Matte finish. Very durable. This used to be a favorite of IPSC shooters awhile back. Still works. About the same price.

 

[45crittergitter]

Walter Birdsong has indeed passed, fairly recently. My experience with Teflon (Les Baer's Baercoat) is that it is far too soft and wears off quickly from just holster contact, etc.