I've added a few upgrades to my M&P Shield 9mm 2.0. And while I admit I've probably gone a little overboard on practicality, they're all functional and work great. They include Apex trigger (enhanced duty), Trijicon sights, Lightning cut slide, numerous mag extensions (colored from Taran Tac, Hyve, Tyrant), and grip tape (so it doesn't rub on my stomach with appendix carry).

To finish off my "upgrades", I want to get the barrel and accompanying levers (slide lock, slide release, safety) all the same color, preferably gold (or similar color, i.e. copper or bronze).

What is the best method of getting a colored barrel? Buy a new, already colored barrel, or get the existing one colored, whether that be cerakoted or otherwise.

I know this is not really considered an "upgrade" as it doesn't perform any specific enhancement, just want it to look different. Even though nobody will ever see it besides me... hopefully.



Thanks all!

With rifles or revolvers, you can apply a surface color, and some of those finishes -- especially if professionally done -- can be quite hard. With a semi-auto, cycling the slide and barrel will eventually wear away parts of any applied colored finish on the barrel, and only chrome-plating (or a stainless barrel) will resist the normal marks of use and routine wear.

Your best bet would be pick a color you like for the controls (slide stop, trigger, mag release) and just have the barrel polished to a high gloss.

Chrome plating the barrel (and controls) may be an option, but I've never heard of anyone plating a semi-auto barrel after purchase. Polishing looks just about as good, and you can touch it up yourself if needed.

Putting time and money into changing barrel color is kind of a waste, as about the only time anyone can see a colored or plated barrel is when the gun is being field stripped...

Titanium coating is an option that won't wear off. Here's a company that does firearms and parts:
Titanium Gun | A division of Coating Services Group

Thanks! I'll give them a ring (or rather, email).

So if I wanted a gold type color for the barrel, what is my best bet for durability? I go to the range and put about 2-300 rounds through it a week, so I'm sure it'll show signs of wear pretty quick.

As for visibility, yeah, it's really only for my own satisfaction, as I hope I never have to really show it to anyone who doesn't want to see it. But with the lightning cuts in the black slide, red trigger, red mag release, and other matching gold locks and such... it'd look awesome. ;-)

Thanks.

You can have the original barrel coated. I was gifted True Precision barrel-- for when I don't want to shoot a ported barrel.



Titanium Nitride is a very durable coating, but S&Ws slide and barrel coating is pretty darn good too.