Gun Kote?

otis24 · Mar 17, 2012

I'm thinking of getting my HP re-blued/refinished due to holster wear by the previous owner. It was carried in a Bianchi M12 holster. I am considering a Gun Kote finish in grey to resemble a parkerized finish. The HP in question is a 1982 production. Has anyone else had a weapon done in Gun Kote? Recommendations?

m1gunner · Mar 17, 2012

I have a ex-LEO S&W M-15 that had heavy holster wear and little bluing left anywhere. It was going to cost as much to get a reblue as I paid for the gun. My problem with bluing or parkerizing is those finishes don't last around a sweaty guy in the deep south (I represent that remark!)

My M-15 now has a Norrell's MolyCote finish on it. Impervious to sweat, looks great, and can easily be touched up without having to do a complete re-finish.

Down side is it destroys any collector value as the finish is not a factory finish. This gun will never be sold, so the collector thing didn't bother me, and the finish better suits my needs.

Mine is a semi-gloss, and at arm's length you can't tell it from a blued finish.

On your gun, the non factory finish would be my only concern. The GunKote finish is well liked by folks that get it, and it has excellent wear characteristics. If it suits your needs, go for it. Just understand it is a one way modification, removal is difficult if not impossible without altering the metal surface by media blasting.

jkc · Mar 17, 2012

Robar's new version of NP3 is probably worth considering, too.

mlk18 · Mar 17, 2012

As is Cerakote.

Cerakote Firearm Coatings: Home

otis24 · Mar 18, 2012

My Browning Hi Power is circa 1982. I don't think it has much collector value. The bluing is worn to the metal and there is signifcant finish wear under the rubber Pachmayr grips.

"it is a one way modification, removal is difficult if not impossible"

That's what I am hoping for, a finish that will last and not have to be redone. This may become a primary CCW piece and I want a durable finish.

Gunslinger808 · Mar 18, 2012

I love GunKote and refinish quite a few weapons using it.
It wears much better than DuraCoat since it is a bake on finish, and is pretty much immune to any solvent you could ever use to clean your weapon.
It also is very abrasive resistant and has friction reducing properties for parts that wear together since it contains Molybdenum Disulfide.
It's also great since they came out with the 2400 sieres that comes in a bunch of different colors since the original 2300 only came in Black.
The key if you're doing it yourself is pre coating preperation.
I generally blast with 80 grit, re parkerize ferrous metals, make sure everything is oil/grease free, spray on the GunKote, then bake for 1 hour at 350.

doublesharp · Mar 18, 2012

This Diamondback has Robar NP3 coating. I got it from a cop who said he'd put thousands of rounds down it. Still looks/shoots great.

m1gunner · Mar 18, 2012

Man, I gotta learn to take better pics. That Colt looks great!

The modern finishes really offer a lot as far as wear and corrosion resistance. As this is a collector/traditionalist web site, these finishes aren't as well received.

I put one of the "spray and bake" finishes on my deer stand Mauser 8 years ago. Many hunts including dripping sweat as well as rain on that rifle, the finish still looks new.

doublesharp · Mar 18, 2012

I like the super finishes but I've always bought them used and the price was right. Here's a 29-2 with an ArticKote finish that is supposed to stand up to saltwater for 500 hours.

Arctic Gunworks

Gunslinger808 · Mar 18, 2012

ArcticKote is Gunkote.

otis24 · Mar 18, 2012

I will send mine to a place in Minnesota to have it professionally done. Price is $145-150. I debating between Olive Drab and gun metal grey.

Gun Kote?

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