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what finish for a carry gun?

TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
edited June 2008 in General Discussion
I know a fella who accidentally left his older German made Walther PP exposed to the elements and it's blued finish rusted bad. It's value as nothing more than a shooter is obviously gone, but he's now down to deciding what sort of durable finish to put on it for use as a carry gun.

He's asked my advice, but I don't have much experience with the latest types. He prefers a dark finish, not any sort of bright plating.

Any suggestions?
What are the costs?
«1

Comments

  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I carry a black Springfield XD-45.
  • KEVD18KEVD18 Member Posts: 15,037
    edited November -1
    if its not coated in tennifer, i dont carry it
  • ruger41ruger41 Member Posts: 14,665 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Cylinder & Slide can coat it with something dark-heck you might be able to even parkerize it. Since it has no more collector value keeping it from rusting away should be the only concern.
  • TxsTxs Member Posts: 17,809 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    if its not coated in tennifer, i dont carry it
    As a matter of fact, I mentioned this stuff to him.

    I'm not a big fan of the Glock's design, but agree that this is about the most durable finish I've seen on a standard production pistol. Too bad it's not available as an aftermarket item.
  • KEVD18KEVD18 Member Posts: 15,037
    edited November -1
    i know its only available on glocks. that was my point
  • 1911a1-fan1911a1-fan Member Posts: 51,193 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    http://www.wilsoncombat.com/info_armor_tuff.htm


    quote:ARMOR-TUFFr Protective Firearms Finish was developed specifically for firearms use to provide a surface finish with optimum corrosion protection, abrasion resistance and lubricity. It permanently bonds to the surface of the firearm to form a barrier from acids, oils, paint remover, powder solvents, bore cleaners and other strong industrial solvents. The extremely low curing temperature (300 degrees) prevents possible damage to parts during the curing process. A firearm finished with ARMOR-TUFFr has the most durable, chemical and heat resistant, thermally cured finish available.

    Before a firearm is coated with ARMOR-TUFFr the firearm is thoroughly sand blasted with fine grit media, then carefully dehorned and surface prepped. Every carbon steel firearm is parkerized before we apply the finish to form a bonding surface for ARMOR-TUFFr that increases finish durability. A highly trained technician then sprays the ARMOR-TUFFr finish on the firearm before it is thermally cured. After the firearm is re-assembled, a Master Class shooter performs a 100% inspection to insure the finish meets our high standard of quality.

    Appearance:


    ARMOR-TUFFr has a very attractive satin/matte surface finish that looks very similar to an ultra-fine sandblast blue job. ARMOR-TUFFr is available in matte black, matte OD green and matte grey. We can also do combinations of these colors. A firearm with a black top end and grey or OD green lower looks really "outstanding".

    Corrosion Resistance:


    ARMOR-TUFFr, when applied to bare common gun steel, will pass the test procedures for salt water spray at 1000 hours, salt water immersion at a minimum of 1000 hours, accelerated salt spray test equivalent to 30 years marine atmosphere exposure, and 60 days sea water immersion. ARMOR-TUFFr surfaces will NEVER rust when subjected to normal firearm use.



    Lubricity:


    ARMOR-TUFFr contains molybdenum disulfide, which provides excellent anti-friction characteristics. We do, however, still recommend a quality lubricant (preferably synthetic) be used on contact surfaces.



    Fluid Resistance:


    ARMOR-TUFFr will meet 24-hour immersion requirements in the following fluids: aviation gasoline, hydraulic fluid, jet fuel, lubricating oils, paint removers, trichlorethylene, nitric, sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, hydrogen peroxide, gun powder solvents, common gun lubricants, strong bases such as hydroxide, and numerous other strong chemicals.



    Thermal Stability:


    ARMOR-TUFFr will withstand exposure to temperature extremes of +500 degrees F to -250 degrees F.



    Thickness:


    ARMOR-TUFFr has a nominal thickness of between .0003" and .0009" unless a thicker coating is desired, such as on high-wear areas like a pistol grip safety or frontstrap. The thin coating characteristics of less than one thousandth of an inch allow easy re-assembly of precision fitted parts.



    Finish Quality:


    ARMOR-TUFFr is applied at our finishing facility in Berryville, Arkansas, under the strictest quality control standards.



    you can get a much cheaper version and do it your self
  • breddyrrtbreddyrrt Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Mahovsky's Metalife (Matte Stainless) tough as heck.
    Just google it.
  • AZEXAZEX Member Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Stainless is a material, not an applied finish.

    Parkote (moly over park) is fast, easy, adheres well, is guaranteed never to flake, peel or blister, and is salt spray resistant to 10K hours.

    About the toughest thing you can put on your gun, except chroming or nickeling. Neither are black. Both change dimenions and are far more difficult to "undo" if you find the bling-bling silver finish unappealing.

    D.
  • SperrySperry Member Posts: 5,006 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There's an outfit that regularly advertises on sigforum's classified for refinishing.
    They seem to be reasonable [$150 for the whole gun?] and have a good reputation.
  • davealddaveald Member Posts: 2,078 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Is there a brand name for the cheaper verision of Armor-Tuff.
    I have a gun that is rusted, and I'm trying to figure out some way to make it a half way presentable paper weight.
  • goldeneagle76goldeneagle76 Member Posts: 4,359
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Spider7115
    I carry a black Springfield XD-45.


    +1
  • Colt SuperColt Super Member Posts: 31,007
    edited November -1
    Robby Barkmann's ROBAR ??

    Doug
  • MVPMVP Member Posts: 23,453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
  • CubsloverCubslover Member Posts: 18,601 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Kahr with the DLC finish.
    Half of the lives they tell about me aren't true.
  • BeeramidBeeramid Member Posts: 7,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    i know its only available on glocks. that was my point


    This is not true, Steyr uses tennifer.
  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886
    edited November -1
    I get my forums mixed up. I was going to suggest you take it to the car-wash for a compound/waxing/detailing.

    Hey, maybe that'll do the trick??[:0] Joe
  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    i know its only available on glocks. that was my point

    Well, that's literally true since "Tennifer" refers to Glocks' proprietary finish, and nobody else uses that EXACT process, but its not technically true.

    Sig-Sauer, Smith and Wesson, Walther, and Tanfoglio (and probably others) each have their own proprietary versions of this finish, which are for practical purposes identical to "Tenifer".

    Supposedly the process puts a nitride coat over the iron in the steel (hence the name Te-NI-FER), and requires highly toxic salts to accomplish this (I've heard cyanide) which is why not too many manufacturers use it.

    FWIW, Smith calls its version "Melonite". Sig calls its own version "Nitron". Tanfoglio's "Wonder" finish is also the same, though unlike the other three, Tanfoglio doesn't blacken their version so it actually looks like unfinished steel.

    Of course since these other companies haven't spend literally millions of dollars brainwashing the public into thinking their products are "perfect", most shooters are unaware that other companies finishes are functionally identical to the Austrian make.

    Getting back to the actual question, there are lots of aftermarket finishes that will work: Chrome, parkerizing, and many proprietary ones like Duracoat, Robar, etc. Most of these are good.

    Personally speaking, for an abused pocket "beater" gun, I wouldn't spend too much money on a fancy finish.

    Cost of a refinish depends on what needs to be done, but I'd say the range is probably $50 (for a simple parkerizing) to $250 (for a complex proprietary finish).
  • breddyrrtbreddyrrt Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    AZEX
    Metalife looks like "Matte Stainless".
    I know the difference between material and applied finish.
    If you had googled it you would too. I guess its easier to give a smart@ss answer.
  • sarge_3adsarge_3ad Member Posts: 8,387 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just paint it pink. It's a fashion statement.
  • Spc FergusonSpc Ferguson Member Posts: 2,383 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by sarge_3ad
    Just paint it pink. It's a fashion statement.

    how many you own like this ?
  • cheezecheeze Member Posts: 815 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    www.ccrrefinishing.com
    I just did a P225 and its really nice. The finish is perfect and appears to hold up very well. They're all over sigforumDOTcom.
  • Eternal Sun 111666Eternal Sun 111666 Member Posts: 164 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    +1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    if its not coated in tennifer, i dont carry it
  • Eternal Sun 111666Eternal Sun 111666 Member Posts: 164 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I was informed (through the DVD "Making Glocks Rock") that tenifer is a heat treat process which penetrates the steel 5 microns making it incrediblely corrosion resistant.
    quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    i know its only available on glocks. that was my point

    Well, that's literally true since "Tennifer" refers to Glocks' proprietary finish, and nobody else uses that EXACT process, but its not technically true.

    Sig-Sauer, Smith and Wesson, Walther, and Tanfoglio (and probably others) each have their own proprietary versions of this finish, which are for practical purposes identical to "Tenifer".

    Supposedly the process puts a nitride coat over the iron in the steel (hence the name Te-NI-FER), and requires highly toxic salts to accomplish this (I've heard cyanide) which is why not too many manufacturers use it.

    FWIW, Smith calls its version "Melonite". Sig calls its own version "Nitron". Tanfoglio's "Wonder" finish is also the same, though unlike the other three, Tanfoglio doesn't blacken their version so it actually looks like unfinished steel.

    Of course since these other companies haven't spend literally millions of dollars brainwashing the public into thinking their products are "perfect", most shooters are unaware that other companies finishes are functionally identical to the Austrian make.

    Getting back to the actual question, there are lots of aftermarket finishes that will work: Chrome, parkerizing, and many proprietary ones like Duracoat, Robar, etc. Most of these are good.

    Personally speaking, for an abused pocket "beater" gun, I wouldn't spend too much money on a fancy finish.

    Cost of a refinish depends on what needs to be done, but I'd say the range is probably $50 (for a simple parkerizing) to $250 (for a complex proprietary finish).
  • sarge_3adsarge_3ad Member Posts: 8,387 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Spc Ferguson
    quote:Originally posted by sarge_3ad
    Just paint it pink. It's a fashion statement.

    how many you own like this ?


    None! But my granddaughter has a pink cricket. [:D]
  • AZEXAZEX Member Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    sgthulka.jpg

    Calling some applied finish "stainless" is retarded.

    D.

    quote:Originally posted by breddyrrt
    AZEX
    Metalife looks like "Matte Stainless".
    I know the difference between material and applied finish.
    If you had googled it you would too. I guess its easier to give a smart@ss answer.
  • 1911a1-fan1911a1-fan Member Posts: 51,193 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by daveald
    Is there a brand name for the cheaper verision of Armor-Tuff.
    I have a gun that is rusted, and I'm trying to figure out some way to make it a half way presentable paper weight.


    gun kote

    my wilson of course came with armor tuff, and after 8 years, and literally 100,000 plus draws from a holster, i have a few wear marks at the muzzle but even after it rubs off the metal is impregnated and will never rust, every part is coated even the internals, i shot in rain, sand pits, and 99 degree days dripping sweat all over the place, no problem
  • buschmasterbuschmaster Member Posts: 14,229 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    how about that RoGuard from robar.
  • OdawgpOdawgp Member Posts: 5,380 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    How's about when you feel the finish is too worn and you just can't pack it another minute for what ever reason be it the fear that it might not function proper due to the finish wearing off of it Just box it up and send it to me I will be glad to reimburse you the shipping [^]
  • 1911a1-fan1911a1-fan Member Posts: 51,193 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by buschmaster
    how about that RoGuard from robar.


    actually it is the same thing a molybdenum-disulfide finish, and they want 20 bucks more than wilson, with out the pre parkerizing

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

    price list

    http://www.robarguns.com/PriceListNov07.pdf

    wilson price list

    http://www.wilsoncombat.com/workorder.pdf

    edit: wilson also dehorns 1911's included in that price
  • n/an/a Member Posts: 168,427
    edited November -1
    An inexpensive "do-it-yourself" firearms finish is DuraCoat.

    http://www.duracoat-firearm-finishes.com/

    I don't have any done in it, but a good friend has done several of his old, thrashed handguns in DuraCoat. They come out looking good and so far, there are no issues with it.

    Why spend big dollars for a beater?
  • breddyrrtbreddyrrt Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Azex
    Your probaly the Retard Authority by looking at your website. Who designed that Forrest Gump?
  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I carry a Beretta 418 made in 1956 during the summer. It's better than nothing. I keep it behind my cell phone case in my pocket. Not a bit of rust on it.
  • KEVD18KEVD18 Member Posts: 15,037
    edited November -1
    y'all missed the whole point of what i was saying. when i said "if its not coated in tennifer, i dont carry it" i meant just that. since glocks are the only gun coated in tennifer(note i didnt say a tennifer like substance) you could reasonably extrapolate that i will only carry a glock.
  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    y'all missed the whole point of what i was saying. when i said "if its not coated in tennifer, i dont carry it" i meant just that. since glocks are the only gun coated in tennifer(note i didnt say a tennifer like substance) you could reasonably extrapolate that i will only carry a glock.



    As with any gun, if you take care of it, it will take care of you. It just depends on how much time you will devote to taking care of your carry gun.
  • BeeramidBeeramid Member Posts: 7,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    y'all missed the whole point of what i was saying. when i said "if its not coated in tennifer, i dont carry it" i meant just that. since glocks are the only gun coated in tennifer(note i didnt say a tennifer like substance) you could reasonably extrapolate that i will only carry a glock.




    Not the only gun, as I stated earlier Steyr uses it to.[:D]
  • Eternal Sun 111666Eternal Sun 111666 Member Posts: 164 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
  • bhale187bhale187 Member Posts: 7,798
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 1911a1fan

    gun kote

    +1, I used it on my WASR and love it
    http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1150&title=GUN-KOTE?+OVEN+CURE,+GUN+FINISH
  • ruger270manruger270man Member Posts: 9,361 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    if its not coated in tennifer, i dont carry it


    ditto
  • AZEXAZEX Member Posts: 1,163 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My wife designed it.

    What can't you find on there?

    I think the real problem is...

    yousuck.jpg



    quote:Originally posted by breddyrrt
    Azex
    Your probaly the Retard Authority by looking at your website. Who designed that Forrest Gump?
  • breddyrrtbreddyrrt Member Posts: 1,195 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    AZEX
    I think "the suck" is coming from your place.
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