I'm thinking about sending my M&P 9mm barrel and apex tactical trigger in to have it cerakoted but I wanted to know all the down falls or set backs of costing either of these two with cerakote. Any input is appreciated

I did a Cerakote treatment myself to a Kahr slide. Followed instructions exactly. In less than a year of concealed carry it looked bad--chips, flakes, worn spots. It is paint.

However, I believe professionals can do a much better job, but if you are coating an item that gets significant wear, I believe there are better finishes. I could be wrong.

Why in the world would you do that?

These are very low cost guns, unlovely to say the least.

Why put a nickel more into them?

Of course, it's your money.

I'd spend it on ammo or range time.

Amen to that. (Although I think my M&P 40c is absolutely beautiful. )

I can't speak about the Apex trigger, but I know there is absolutely no point in Cerakoting the barrel. To prove my point, I've attached a photo of the barrel of my 40c. It has 8300 rounds though it, and it still looks good. Whatever S&W puts on there works well, and I don't see how Cerakoting would improve it.

I clean my 40c after every range session, and put a very light coat of TW25b gun grease on the barrel in addition to two drops of grease on top. Do that, and as Rpg says, spend the money you save on ammo and range time.

Attached Images

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What, me worry?

I know a person who had their whole M&P cerakoted, not sure whether he had the barrel done though. I had a couple M&P slides refinished via cerakote; as well as, numerous 1911 slides/frames. When done right, and I emphasize done right, cerakote is very effective. It adds just enough thickness to tighten up loose tolerances and for bearing surfaces, like slide rails, cerakote reduces friction once broke in. I've never considered getting an M&P barrel done.

Unless there is something wrong with the existing finish on your barrel I would suggest against it. While it won't chip or flake, with proper application, cerakote applied to a barrel is going to experience excessive wear from firing and cycling. Like the rings on this Shield's barrel.


As for the trigger there should be no problems so long as whoever does your Cerakoting disassembles and reassembles it properly.