Stainless or Dark?

[sprice]

I want a springfield mil-spec, do I get it in "parkerized" or stainless? Please also tell me your reasoning.

 

[General Tso]

Stainless. Less likely to ever rust or need refinished.

 

[kostyanj]

I was in the exact same position until I realized that the stainless is so much prettier =)

 

[Jed Carter]

Parkerized, stainless is not Mil-spec. It's to be your pistol, get what you like. I have stainless, black/blued and parkerized 1911s, the stainless were my favorites, but my tastes have changed. I'm in the process of getting another 1911 in 9mm for IDPA matches and liked the Dan Wesson Pointman 9, but it only comes in stainless, so I'm getting an STI Trojan. I voted for parkerized, stainless is too gawdy for me nowdays. However if you intend to "customize" your 1911 then the stainless may be a lot easier to match parts.

 

[WardenWolf]

My honest opinion is that a darker finish is better for precision shooting. Brighter finishes tend to reflect the light and dazzle the eyes, resulting in reduced visual acuity due to both distraction and your pupils constricting. While this does not make a big difference if you are using a scope, it makes a huge difference if you are attempting precise shots with iron sights. It is for this reason that I ordered my Ruger Mark III with a blued finish rather than stainless. I have had experience with both under Arizona's harsh sun, and I can tell you finish type does make a difference. The only thing bright on the gun should be your sights.

 

[easyg]

I want a springfield mil-spec, do I get it in "parkerized" or stainless? Please also tell me your reasoning.

I'm guessing that "mil-spec" is short for "military specifications".
And if you want a "mil-spec" pistol then basically you want a weapon designed for the military....a weapon designed for the battle-field.
Bright and shiny stainless steel weapons don't belong on the battle-field.

Go with the subdued parkerized.

 

[Wolfebyte]

it's a preference for you..

I don't like shiny when I'm walking around at night time..

you want pretty and rugged, go with Stainless.. you want subdued and rugged, go with parkerized.

Heard what I thought was someone out in the shed one night.. grabbed my AMT purty stainless and eased out the door. made it around the corner of the house and thought I saw a flashlight flash to my left..

was the vapor light reflecting off the shiny slide..

 

[SSN Vet]

Your probably going to want to tinker with it eventually and upgrading stainless parts will not require re-finishing

I love the look of a deep blue, but then I worry about the finish.

Stainless is easy cheasy to take care of.

I, personaly, could never get into parkerized handguns.

 

[silversport]

I have carried and shot mostly stainless or silver colored guns my whole life and have never had any problems with reflection causing me to be seen (perhaps being 6'6" causes me to be seen before they see the stainless pistol) or having it be a hamper to my using the pistol and here is my Mil Spec BUT...that Parkerized is SO sexy...

Bill

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If the price difference is not great ($100 or less), I would just as soon go with stainless. It has greater corrosion resistance than even Parkerized carbon steel and I like the appearance better. Also, it is not subject to finish wear except for "burnishing" of edges and corners from holster contact. It might get scratched if skittered across cement or something, but so would any other finish. Finally, provided the slide top has a matte finish so as not to glare your sight picture, there is no real need for a non-reflective finish. It is concealed, who is going to see it? And if I pull it on someone, I want it to be seen.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I don't like the look of stainless steel on firearms. Too much flashiness for my prefererence, its just not who I am. I really do like sigs black coated stainless slides though, the best of both worlds.

 

[Yo Mama]

I was just thinking about this. I lament not going stainless on all my guns. I have a few that are blued, and they just don't hold the esteam that the shiny ones have.

IMO, your not going to battle. I have my gun in a holster and concealed so no one will note I have one. It's on my body alot, and the stainless I never worry about.

 

[searcher451]

If you really, truly can't decide for youself, what makes you think that asking us to help you will resolve the issue? Kidding aside, getting one of each ought to solve your problem -- if, in fact, it's a problem that you have.