Which coating ?

[Twigg]

The factory finish on my Colt 1991Govt is wearing thin. I've been considering either Cerakote or NP3.
Are there any advantages to either ? Disadvantages ? Is there a big difference in cost ?

The pistol runs like a top and has been rock solid dependable for me. I run about 200 rounds a month through this so I'd like a very durable finish. This is my primary carry gun so I'm not looking for fancy colors. Flat or matt black will do fine.

 

[MA_Shooter]

Good question. I'd also like to hear some recommendations for a good platers and, perhaps more importantly, who to avoid.

 

[Supermoto]

Cerakote will wear off very quickly, especially if you use a kydex holster. I have it scratch off from my ring. I would go Ion-bond

 

[Twigg]

I would go Ion-bond

Souunds like I can rule out Cerakote.

Interesting finish. I've found only one place which does this and its out in Oregon.

They're advertising $300.00 to do an entire 1911, including internals. Is this comparable to NP3 ?

 

[96cbr900rr]

There is also Cera Plate, and Cera Hide which seem to get good reviews from the guys on Sig forum. http://www.ccrrefinishing.com/info.htm

 

[strangenh]

NP3 is really tough stuff - basically you're going one step beyond chroming it. http://www.robarguns.com/np3.htm Plus it reduces part-to-part friction and they guarantee it "against corrosion, peeling or flaking for the lifetime of the firearm." Can't recommend it enough.

 

[Gammon]

I have had such good luck with hard chrome that it is the only finish I will use. The durability of this finish is so good that I am afraid to post the results I have witnessed, lest I be viewed as a liar.

 

[electricguy]

lou in peabody mass.hes the man,
http://www.businessendcustoms.com/

 

[Twigg]

OK now it looks like a toss up between Ion-Bond & NP3.

 

[PaulD]

Kahr uses Ion-Bond (they call it DLC) on their black slides. I have a PM9 with it and it's very nice. That said, I've heard great things about NP3 also.

 

[bpm990d]

You can use salt bath nitriding. It gives it a nice dark black. Also called meloniting.

B

 

[Twigg]

You can use salt bath nitriding.

Oh great. another option.

This bears some more research. One reason I'm drawn to my other choices is because they minimise the amount of required lubrication and appear to make clean up easier.

Now I'd have to say its between Ion-Bond & Melonite.

 

[bpm990d]

Just show before and after when you choose.

B

 

[Titan]

Kahr uses Ion-Bond (they call it DLC) on their black slides. I have a PM9 with it and it's very nice. That said, I've heard great things about NP3 also.

S&W also currently use Ion Bond on their stainless steel cylinders, when the gun has a dark Scandium frame, including the Night Guard series.

 

[TheRoland]

I've looked at Ion-Bond for a while, to make one of my stainless guns black. But cost is an issue, and I'm reluctant to ship my handguns across the country.