Hey guys, I just bought an SD40 and while I know this is the M&P section I'm sure my answer could be answered here before the Sigma/SD section as the majority are all sigma fanboys. So how has the finish on the slides held up for you gents? Holster wear? Any advice would help thanks. I know it's very similar to Tennifer which is made on lots of European products from guns to car parts.
Thanks in Advance

Melonite is a hard facing material (nitride coating) put over the stainless steel which is Rc 68 hardness (Rockwell C hardness scale). This finish is extremely durable and wear resistant. In fact, it's the same coating used in machine tools (high-speed steel drill bits for example) before Carbide coatings were developed. A stainless steel with a hardness of 68 Rc is by itself, very hard as compared to a standard 316 stainless steel of Rc 22.

The only materials that can damage or scratch something this hard must be harder themselves, so that leaves something like diamond or tungsten carbide. A Kydex or leather holster can't scratch a finish this hard. Most sandpaper made for sanding wood won't scratch something this hard.

However, discoloration may occur from heat (shooting), carbon build up or from certain oils & waxes, since the nitrided surface is somewhat porous.

And yes, before you ask the obvious question. I am an engineer with over 30 yrs experience in metallurgy.

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Jeff Lynch
Sugar Land, Texas