Aftermarket Finishes

S

Single Six

New member
In the past, I've used Mahovsky's Metalife to "convert" any blued guns I have to a super-tough, "stainless" finish. However, here lately, I can't even get those guys to answer the phone; I'm not even sure if they're still open for business. Can anyone recommend any aftermarket finishes that have the appearance of stainless, with just as much [if not more] rust-resistance? Also, the name of the company or a link would be helpful. Thanks, all.
 
Last edited:
Cricoid: Those prices on your link are considerably higher than Mahovsky's, but like I said, I'm not 100% sure they're even open anymore...and judging by the lack of responses this thread is getting thus far, the info you've provided may be my only option. Thanks for the help!:)
 
No problem. No, it wasn't exactly cheap but the quality of the work from Metaloy is phenomenal. I really like hard chrome, and I researched it heavily prior to jumping in. Good luck with your refinish.
 
Well, I've not only tried calling Mahovsky's, I've now also sent them an e-mail. Still no response either way; the only thing to suggest they're still open for business is the fact that their website is still up.:confused: Does anyone know about this?
 
ss, 1/24/12

I have had ten pistols and one rifle refininshed at Techplate (www.techplate.com). Results have been excellent, prices good and my guns are back to me within four weeks. Take a look at their website- www.techplate.com. If you have any questions address them to Marshall, he's great at email responses.

best wishes- oldandslow
 
Here's the top gun re-finishers who offer hard chrome plating.
Some use various brand names, but it's all hard chrome.

Each plater offers different pricing and different options.
The final appearance can range from the original satin gray, to a stainless steel look, to a full mirror bright finish.
At least one will also plate the inside of bores and chambers.

http://www.apwcogan.com/
(Possibly the best).

http://www.fordsguns.com/

http://www.armoloyftworth.com/Armoloy_WebDevelopment/Web_Pages/Firearms_Applications.htm
(Satin gray and ID bore plating)

http://www.originalmetaloy.com/

http://www.techplate.com/firearms_pl.htm

http://www.techplate.com/firearms_pl.htm

I suspect Mahovsky is still in business, it's just that from time to time he seems to have a real problem with communication, or lack of.
 
Are we sure the metalife is hard-chrome? His prices are SIGNIFICANTLY less than competitors. I just got very interested in his services.

Quality? Not expecting it to match APWCogan, but am I going to have problems with it? If I just want to coat a hunting item(say a blued encore barrel I can't seem to find in stainless:), seems like a very good option.

From the contact page on their site:
After some long thought we have made the decision to completely quit taking phone calls during day time working hours. Our current work load and trying to keep the best possible turnaround time has brought this about. Everyday we receive many telemarketing calls, wrong numbers and people wanting to visit unfortunately we cannot stop work to chat. The customer is still very important to us.

Beginning immediately we will only correspond via emails. We will still make phone calls in order to take credit card information and such.
Click to expand...
 
John: I can tell you that I had them apply their "SS Chromium M" to my blued Ruger Single Six. It came back looking fantastic, and now, 14 years later, it still looks brand new. I found out about this company from a Chuck Taylor article, in which he spoke of having them apply their finish to several of his handguns. Taylor went on to say that he'd tested the finish by leaving the guns in snowbanks and streams for extended periods, with no rust resulting. I've not tried this for myself, but I can tell you that I have no reservations about giving them my business.
 
Many of the platers who offer hard chrome use various brand names for it (Metaloy, Armaloy, SS Metalife, etc) but it's still hard chrome.

Mahovsky has been doing hard chrome for a LONG time and has one of the very best reputations in the trade for quality work.
He simply decided to offer lower prices than some other companies.
The only problem is, his communication is often lacking, and he's sometimes slow to deliver work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top