Finish for a pistol?

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Gunbuffer

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Resistance to corrosion is paramount to wear in a carry weapon. And np3 beats the puss out of pvd’s for corrosion resistance. That’s why the holy grail of gun finishes was and probably still is, a dlc/pvd over hard chrome.
And stop with the “our proprietary coating” bs, and throwing numbers around. (Respectively)
So for holster wear/daily scratch resistance, you're primarily concerned with how hard the coating is. The NP3 Plus is some fairly hard stuff with a Rockwell C hardness of 35-50 which converts to a Vickers hardness of 320-550. As a comparison, the proprietary DLC and AlTiN we use has a Vickers of 2,600 and 3,300(respectively) which in Rockwell C is converted as (RC +90). THEORETICALY (meaning not recommended) as Hardened Tool Steel generally has an RC hardness of 62-66, scratching a hammer from home Depot against a DLC/AlTiN coated slide, should produce wear and scratches on the surface of the hammer well before it affects the pistol slide.
 

sumoj275

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Thank you for the ideas so far. So to my understanding Hard Chrome is best for wear and holster drawers, NP3 is pretty tough and great for running, Melonite/Name of the week is great all the way around? I have always liked the Hard Chrome look of the P7 but I do want to explore all advantages.

Thanks
 

APH Tactical

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np3 beats the puss out of pvd’s for corrosion resistance.

And stop with the “our proprietary coating” bs, and throwing numbers around. (Respectively)

Hey Buffer,
If I somehow offended you, I'm sorry man, no offense was intended.
As far as sitting LEFT ALONE in a B117 salt bath spray, yes np3 and most every other soft coating including Cerakote will littlest any PVD that I'm aware of. But PVD has the ability to soak up and retain oil, providing a near impenetrable barrier against corrosion. And what happens when you scratch a soft coating, exactly how much corrosion resistance will that coating provide?
I was simply stating(to a man seeking better scratch/wear resistance) that PVDs fill that role better, in the real world, where people actually maintain their firearm and don't plan on leaving it submerged in 120° salt water for 3.5 years and expect it to run afterwards.

Also, there are many different "DLC" formulas, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, though comparable in composition. "We" don't have a proprietary anything as "We" aren't buying a $5m PVD machine anytime soon. However the company that performs that service for us does have their own formula, and my research indicates that it is the most ideal for the task.
The numbers I was"throwing around" were being used to educate those unfamiliar with the coatings on the potential gains in scratch resistance alone and as long as the numbers are correct there shouldn't be an issue "throwing them around". After all "numbers" are the only reason you know NP3 Plus offers better corrosion resistance. Heck, "numbers" are the only reason that corrosion test exists in the first place!

NP3+ is a phenomenal coating which is brought to you by one of the most successful Vet-Owned manufactures in the industry, and I'm a huge fan, but to those that may be seeking a black scratch resistant coating, I know if none better than the aforementioned.
 

Gunbuffer

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Ok, perhaps I was harsh, maybe you are one of those numbers and data guys. Just be aware that way more than half your clients will just want you to make the call for them as far as what finish they should get. Data and overly detailed comparisons will just confuse them into inaction.
 

JD8

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Is the NP3 really that good?
I was sold on hard chrome back when I had a Tanfo Limited in HC for USPSA. I can't count how many holster draws that gun got and I never saw a bit of wear on the slide.
My current comp gun is cerakote and there's holster wear all over the place.

The carry gun he built for me is in HC and it still shows no wear, except some flaking under the grips. That's another story that involves who did it and the frame being aluminum. SO from a wear from thousands of presentations perspective you might want something different. Some guys claim to have had it for 10+ years and while it eventually did show wear, the anti corrosion properties held.
 

JD8

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Interesting.
If I ever find a gun i like better without the scratches, I'll have to give it a try.

Kind of the point I was making though, scratch or not it retains it's anti-corrosive properties and if it's ever a real issue, lifetime warranty.
 

APH Tactical

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Ok, perhaps I was harsh, maybe you are one of those numbers and data guys.
Aww, Buffer. Did we just become best friends??? And yes, I most definitely am.

Just be aware that way more than half your clients will just want you to make the call for them
I have noticed this. I kept thinking I somehow kept getting anomaly after anomaly in customers. I always go through so much effort to effectively communicate the differences in triggers, barrels, handguards, coatings and services to my customers to enable them to make an informed decision as to what they think would best fit their purpose for the gun, and 75% of the time I get the exact same answer worded differently, "I don't know, you pick and just tell me how much it is" which has always boggled my mind. Thanks for this Buffer, it has put things into perspective for me more than you know.

Mike
 

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