I have a reproduction of a Winchester 1892 lever action. Considering putting DuraCoat® on exterior and interior of receiver while leaving breech bolt and locking lugs bright "in the white," I queried DuraCoat company to ask about build-up and whether the surface finish causes excessive wear on reciprocating surfaces without the finish. I have been informed that DuraCoat's bake-on version will not cause excessive wear on plain parts.

I was also informed that its build-up is 1.5 mils per surface.
- What is a "mil"?

- In the instance of DuraCoating the two interior surfaces of receiver, would 3.0 mils build-up become a tolerance problem for the "in the white" breech bolt?

- I'm anticipating that 1.5 mils build-up per each locking lug would not be a problem. Am I mistaken?

Well a mil is .001" So a total of .003" worth of external coating on the mating parts. I would not worry about the DuraCoated surface wearing uncoated steel, but just the opposite. No matter what the company or a vendor may claim, that painted on finish is not going to be harder than steel. I don't know what tolerances you're dealing with in the '92 Winchester, so can't help there. I suspect though, that there very well might be clearance issues with finely fitted firearms. I don't believe some of my guns could be reassembled if there was a .0015" coating on even one of the mating surfaces....ymmv

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

I agree that I would not use it on any moving or fitted parts and only on exterior parts. I believe the lever would show wear in the coating if used much.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

Why would you want to do it???? Just asking. I mean Montana is not known as having a very corrosive enviroment.........like a swamp or saltwater marsh. Id snow rain is your issue, I would think a good coating of oil and regular cleaning would protect it.

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Forum consigliere

I have a 1911 frame that's dura coated.The rails wore down to bare steel very quickly while the rest of it looks good still

After seeing people chase minor nagging problems on other 1892 forums, I'd leave the internals alone.


If determined to do it, I'd tape off the seats for the cartridge guides, the lower tang to receiver mating surfaces, and the chamber mating surfaces to the breech.

Good luck.