Pistol Aluminum Anodizing Finish old vs new

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drwalther007

Inactive
Hello,

This will be my first post, and I would like to hear from anyone who might shed some light on a question that I have on aluminum frame finishes:

I've compared the frame finishes on several pistols that have aluminum frames, e.g. an older beretta 92SB vs a new beretta 92fs. The new gun sports the common "matte black" anodizing that is so common on new aluminum frame pistols.
An older 92SB (which is blued) has a deep, glossy, shiny anodized frame that almost looks like a deep rich bluing on steel (IMO much more attractive).
Also, it "seems" to me (I have no data to back this up) that the older shiny finish holds up better, as the newer matte finishes seem to scratch and wear very easily. Comparing say an older s&w model 39 to a newer s&w auto pistol is very much the same.

I wonder, why and what is the difference? Is it the type of anodizing (i imagine most handguns are type II but I don't know)? Or is the the metal finishing before, or a difference dye or sealant used in the process?

If anyone has any ideas, thank you!
 
Anodizing is anodizing. Process hasn't changed since 1923 other than different chemicals being used starting in 1927. Anodizing can pretty much have any finish. Shiney or flat. Difference is most likely the civilian version vs the military version.
"...older Beretta 92SB..." If you think 1985 is old. Then it gets odd. The 92SB was the USAF version. The 92FS is the U.S. Army model.
 
more than likely what you are noticing is a difference between a treatment and a coating. the mattes tend to actually be a fairly thick layer while the glosses are thin. the problem with thin is that.... it's thin, it wears through easily and the end result is a gun that looks like it was dragged down a gravel road. the mattes are thicker and more durable.

The 92SB was the USAF version. The 92FS is the U.S. Army model.
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and here when I went to basic training I was told that all branches issued the M9...
 
If I had to guess you are seeing the anodizing evolve from more plain Jane to all mil spec hard coat anodizing which though more tough is less shinny.

Or less surface prep... Blast or tumble finish vs. high polish
 
If I had to guess you are seeing the anodizing evolve from more plain Jane to all mil spec hard coat anodizing which though more tough is less shinny.

Or less surface prep... Blast or tumble finish vs. high polish
October 23, 2016 09:10 PM
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If I were to guess, I'd say the answer is the latter, while using the former as a "justification" for not polishing it up.

The matte finish is less shiny and reflective, but it doesn't seem tougher. If anything, I think it's more conducive to scratches. Metal edges seem to bite the matte and scratch it, while they slide off the more polished finishes.
 
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