I'm looking to add a surface finish to at least one of my guns to strengthen the gun's durability. I know this question has been asked to death, but I've done as much research as I can understand, and I'm still a bit confused and lack perspective and so wanted to ask here. I know the answer also depends on what I'm looking for, and the broad "the best finish" (or the most durability + the most corrosion resistant) is probably not going to cut it - so maybe the best balance of the two? I'm in a relatively humid climate, but not too salty.
The five services I've narrowed down to are below. This is a question about the type of protection, but by extension implicates the company that offers that service:
I'm going to start with a rifle, and if it turns out nicely, maybe another gun or two.
I'd greatly value any input on these different options, which you'd recommend, and why.
Thanks very much, I really appreciate it!
The five services I've narrowed down to are below. This is a question about the type of protection, but by extension implicates the company that offers that service:
- NP3+: Electroless nickel plating with Teflon. I see that Wright Armory does this now after Robar's closure, and they seem to have a good reputation. I'm familiar with NP3 Plus' reputation.
- Ionbond: Diamond Like Carbon Black finish (http://www.jabuie.com/ionbond.html). I've read that this is very hard - harder and more scratch resistant than NP3 Plus, but not as corrosive resistant.
- ARMORLUBE: "ArmorLube is applied using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process (PECVD surface treatment)." Also offered by Wright Armory (https://www.armorlubecoating.com/)
- Armoloy: Two options, "Thin Dense Chromium" and "BiProtec." BiProtec is described as using "a two-step process that combines electroless nickel with an overlay of Armoloy TDC® or XADC®. Excellent for highly corrosive applications, this dual coating involves an initial layer of electroless nickel at a thickness of .0002/.003″ followed by a .0001/.0005″ deposit of thin dense chrome." Is this better than all the above options since it combines them? (https://armoloy-il.com/biprotec/). I've seen some description of TDC as "an EXCELLENT durable finish." (https://thefiringline.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-7574.html)
- MAHOVSKY'S METALIFE: Hard chrome plating or electroless nickel plating - doesn't seem much different from the other options listed above, just a different service. (http://www.mahovskysmetalife.com).
I'm going to start with a rifle, and if it turns out nicely, maybe another gun or two.
I'd greatly value any input on these different options, which you'd recommend, and why.
Thanks very much, I really appreciate it!