Polished Slide on an M&P?

jeepmcd · #1 03-13-2013, 08:55 AM

A while back I saw a picture of a M&P with a polished slide. How is this done safely? Also does removing the nitron finish pose any long term issues with rust or oxidation?

Jyezahn · #2 03-13-2013, 09:00 AM

This thread is what you're looking for:

Barrel polishing concerns.

Just scroll down and you'll see the polished slide posts.

Rastoff · #3 03-13-2013, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepmcd

Also does removing the nitron finish pose any long term issues with rust or oxidation?

It certainly could. The finish protects as well as makes a non-glare finish. You can still polish the slide, just be sure to put some metal protection on it.

MichiganScott · #4 03-13-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobermo

Isn't the slide stainless steel? If so, is it still susceptible to rust and corrosion? Sorry, I haven't read the attached thread.

Stainless steel needs to be pacified after machining or polishing. This process involves a Nitric acid dip that removes the microscopic amounts of free iron and sulfur compounds left on the surface or introduced with the cutting tools.

After the dip, oxygen in the air combines with the steel to form a passive film only a few microns thick. This is what actually makes the steel rust resistant.

Number1gun · #5 03-13-2013, 05:05 PM

Yes all stainless firearms...CAN rust.. Oxidize. In general the Steel used can not have a nickel content that is to high or it will be more brittle and prone to a stress crack. The metallurgy has changed quite a bit in the last few years for the better. I am unaware of any non crosive slide material thus far. Modern Stainless Steel is still the best over all choice..IMO.

mag318 · #6 03-14-2013, 09:45 AM

If you like the look and really want a durable finish I highly recommend Robars NP3 teflon impregnated electroless nickle. I've done 4 M&Ps this way and it's truly a great finish.

jeepmcd · #7 03-14-2013, 10:01 AM

How much does this NP3 finish cost for a M&P?

Rastoff · #8 03-14-2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mag318

If you like the look and really want a durable finish I highly recommend Robars NP3 teflon impregnated electroless nickle. I've done 4 M&Ps this way and it's truly a great finish.

That finish is marvelous. One of the best aftermarket finishes I've ever seen. I'd like to see it up close and personal.

I'm not a fan of the light color though. Because my M&P is used for carry, black just works better. That doesn't mean I won't get it done to another gun.

Do they do different colors?

Jyezahn · #9 03-14-2013, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rastoff

That finish is marvelous. One of the best aftermarket finishes I've ever seen. I'd like to see it up close and personal.

I'm not a fan of the light color though. Because my M&P is used for carry, black just works better. That doesn't mean I won't get it done to another gun.

Do they do different colors?

Why does black work better for concealed carry? If it's concealed, it won't matter what color the gun is. If it's open carry, well, again, it doesn't matter what color the gun is. If you just prefer black, that's cool, but I'm curious if you have a logical explanation for your concern.

Rastoff · #10 03-14-2013, 06:52 PM

I most certainly do. Black is a less obvious color. I carry OWB. I just can't get IWB to work for me. So, if a gust of wind blows my shirt up a little, a black gun is less likely to stand out, less obvious, doesn't draw the eye to it.

Further, I usually wear a black t-shirt. Thus the black gun is somewhat camouflaged against the t-shirt.

No, it's not perfect, but color does help.