Finishes on Stainless Steel, or ?

[BlindJustice]

Some members post about stainless steel (SS) firearms being simply less
resistant to rusting. I have one pistol the S & W 625 with the Matt/Frosted
finish - as well as a 686P and 617 with the Satin (some might say polished
finish ). One poster warned that the Matte finish since it has the many little dents if you will has more places to accumulate oils or moisture from being handled and will be more susceptible to rusting.

THat said are there any commerical companies offering something of a finish or treatment for SS firearms?

Is Case Hardening of the frame a possibility for a SS firearm? I always
lliked the crazy random swirls of the case hardneing result for a Colt SAA>
and I wonder if that would be something to do in terms of aesthetics as well as practicality with modern SS firearms to give a unique look.

.

 

[Zebraranger]

I have a 2006 Ruger GP100 6" SS finish recently purchased, and a 1986 Colt King Cobra 6" SS revolver that I shoot on a regular basis. I use Rigs Gun grease. After each range visit, I clean the guns, and use a very little amount, on a soft cloth and just wipe it down with just a little bit on the cloth, you cant even see it but you can feel it. Then I put it away in the safe untill the next range visit. Then I just wipe it clean and use it. It can be found at most gun shops and is recommended for SS guns. Trust me, it has kept the rust away, and I live in Florida, on the Bay. My Colt King Cobra still Looks just as good as new. Another thought, Not all Stainless Steel is the same, I am anxious to see if the finish on my Ruger will hold up for over 20 years like the Colt. Here is a photo of the two, with some of my other guns. Sorry bout the gold look, it was from the flash. My semi-auto's I use hopps or CLP Break Free.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb204/zebraranger/DSC03036.jpg

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Stainless susceptible to rust?

I have several stainless pistols. Some are target guns that go from the safe to case to indoor range and back. Others are daily carry or hunting pistols. Rugers, Colts, and Kimber. The hunting pistols have been barraged by mother nature's worst elements here in the Great North West, and have never shown signs of rust with matte or shiny finish. A good cleaning with an ever so thin coat of just about any water displacing lubericant will keep corrosion at bay. If you've got a Stainless pistol that is showing signs of rust, then it's time to re-evaluate the quality of materials that manufacturer is using.

I am not a metalurgist...
Will stainless rust? Yes. But it takes a lot of improper care to let it. If it rusts prematurely, then I'd figure that there are other models/brands that won't nearly as fast.

-Steve

 

[rcmodel]

Stainless steel is rust resistent, not totally rust-proof. They will all benefit from a wipe-down with an oily rag occasionally.

Color Case Hardening will not work on stainless steel. Besides, it would distroy S&W or Rugers heat treatment in the process if it did work.
And it's really not a very durable finish anyway. Not nearly as wear resistent as bluing.


rcmodel

 

[GeorgeR]

Stainless Steel Blueing

Stainless steel can be hot blued, which may be the answer to your concerns.