Shield Finish Wearing Off

RHFactor16

RHFactor16

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I'll start by apologizing if this is a repeat thread and/or something that I should already know, but I have a question about the finish on the Shield, or any carry gun for that matter.

I recently purchased a FoxX holster from Amazon for my new Shield .40 (I won't include a link b/c I don't know the rules on that, but it's very easy to find on Google or Amazon). I love the holster, and would highly recommend it. It's identical to models selling for $100+ and I got it for $40 with free shipping. My only problem is the kydex leather is quickly removing the finish from my slide. To say I'm a perfectionist with my guns would be a massive understatement, and it is really hard to watch my Shield get worn.

Is there anything I can do to "refinish" this gun from time to time, or is it simply time to come to the reality that my carry gun is going to have some damage on it? It's ok to be harsh... I think I can handle it :)
 
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Is the finish wearing or is the Kydex rubbing onto your gun?

I used to carry my Shield because I didn't want holster wear on my good guns... ;)
 
I'm a visual stickler as well but have been advised that a carry gun is gonna show wear.. Just the nature of the beast I guess
 
A carry gun is going to show holster wear, there are no 2 ways about it. My wifes stepfather has a G22 that must have been a police trade-in, because it looks like an old timer labrador retriever with the grey and white nose. Maybe refinish it before selling but it would be a waste to do so periodically.

If it really upsets you change to a leather holster or carry it on a clip or otherwise to minimize abrasian. My personal advice, if you really like the holster you've got, is to come to terms with the wear damage and keep on carrying.

I sympathize with you. I don't have a holster yet but I know it will beat up my M&P too. But I bought it knowing it's duties would take a toll.
 
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Lost Lake said:
Is the finish wearing or is the Kydex rubbing onto your gun?
Click to expand...
Excellent question. Remember melonite is a treatment that is embedded in the metal; not an over the surface finish. Should be hard to wear it off.

We need pictures!
 
That is great information that I did not know. I will look into it and attach some pictures if I can.

To my untrained eye, where the slide rubs against the hard leather, it used to be black but is starting to show a silver color. I just assumed it was the black finish of the gun coming off b/c the leather is black as well. It sounds like I could be wrong, and hopefully I am.

Either way, I've decided to try and treat any wear like a "red badge of courage" and just be proud of my working gun showing some usage... as for my other guns, however, they will continue to get the white glove treatment :D
 
RHFactor16 said:
That is great information that I did not know. I will look into it and attach some pictures if I can.

To my untrained eye, where the slide rubs against the hard leather, it used to be black but is starting to show a silver color. I just assumed it was the black finish of the gun coming off b/c the leather is black as well. It sounds like I could be wrong, and hopefully I am.

Either way, I've decided to try and treat any wear like a "red badge of courage" and just be proud of my working gun showing some usage... as for my other guns, however, they will continue to get the white glove treatment :D
Click to expand...

Mine is doing the same. I think ot looks that color cause its almost polishing it.

Sent from my SCH-R760 using Tapatalk 2
 
newweapon.jpg


A handgun with holster wear is a thing of pride and beauty.

The Shield is a shield, not a trophy. Immaculate and pristine carry guns are like spotless jerseys and scarless football helmets. A downright disgrace.
 
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I've said it before, and I'll say it again, inspite of what some may believe, there is no way Melonite is in the same league as Tennifer. I have a Gen 2 Glock 19 that has seen its fair share of horrific abuse from here to the sandbox...holstered in kydex rigs filled with sand, neglected, dropped on the deck too many times on my bird, and aside from the polymer displaying a number of dings and cuts, the finish on my slide cleans up just as new. I know of no one with a Melonite pistol who can say the same, but know many who have had complaints over the durability and wear resistance of this so-called American version of Tennifer known as Melonite.
 
maybe there is a reason that holster is $40.

normally you get what you pay for.
 
Must be the type of holster.

I pocket conceal daily for 10 hours for the last 10 months with zero wear in a Desantis.

The only wear is from the rear XS big dot sight.

Russ
 
One of the few weak points of the M&P series is their finish, it's just not very durable. This is why I've sent all my M&Ps to Robar for their NP3 finish. My oldest is several years old now and even though carried a lot it still looks new. I can't recommend the NP3 finish enough, here's what my Shield looks like.
 

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Perhaps the problem is the term "wear". Consider this. Think of the change as a fine patina, nurtured by close affinity with time and use. It's a mark of loyalty and purpose... a badge, not of misuse, but of an alert presence. It shows a bond. Treasure it.
 
I must say it looks pretty good to me. I take very good care of all my firearms but I expect them to show normal wear as I regularly use them.
 
RHFactor16 said:
I'll start by apologizing if this is a repeat thread and/or something that I should already know, but I have a question about the finish on the Shield, or any carry gun for that matter.

I recently purchased a FoxX holster from Amazon for my new Shield .40 (I won't include a link b/c I don't know the rules on that, but it's very easy to find on Google or Amazon). I love the holster, and would highly recommend it. It's identical to models selling for $100+ and I got it for $40 with free shipping. My only problem is the kydex leather is quickly removing the finish from my slide. To say I'm a perfectionist with my guns would be a massive understatement, and it is really hard to watch my Shield get worn.

Is there anything I can do to "refinish" this gun from time to time, or is it simply time to come to the reality that my carry gun is going to have some damage on it? It's ok to be harsh... I think I can handle it :)
Click to expand...

Since melonite is a metal treatment making the slide very hard and thus corrosion resistant, it will not "rub off" in the same way a blue or other "finish" will rub off. Thus, regardless of appearance, your slide remains just as corrosion resistant. The carry wear gives your pistol character and you should be proud of it!
 
I once had a buddy that would throw an old timber or two in the bed of his new pickup and head offroad. Adding character he called it.
I have a shield and mine has the same thing around the muzzle. Leather or Kydex will probably cause some wear, but put it in perspective. If you use it, let it show it's use. When you want to pass it on to somebody someday, have it refinished then if you feel the need.
 
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