Do I have permanent damage now?

[MP22]

I don't think is it. My M&P-40c clearly says stainless on the slide and the shield does not.

Even if it is stainless, stainless can rust as well.

If it is pure stainless....it will not rust. Check out this article that explains why:Why doesn't stainless steel rust? : Scientific American

 

[nathanistre]

I consider those to be the "memory" of the pistol. I take very good care of my weapons but they are tools so in my eyes they have to work flawless. That doesnt mean there the pretiest thing to look at especially if you carry it everyday. My M&P .40c is the extension of my right arm. I wont look down on anyone for having a few marks as long as its clean and well taken care of.

 

[RandomMan]

If it is pure stainless....it will not rust. Check out this article that explains why:Why doesn't stainless steel rust? : Scientific American

With all due respect, that is simply an untrue statement, and not at all what that article says. It clearly states that chemical interactions form a thin layer, so thin you'll need a super high magnifying scanning electron microscope (that's the special equipment he refers to) to detect it. This thin layer or film reduces corrosion to a very low level, it does not stop corrosion. Nothing will stop corrosion of iron molecules into oxidized iron molecules, except an anoxic (oxygen less) environment, because free oxygen in the atmosphere will always readily bond with iron molecules and oxidize them, that's how chemistry works. If there is another element that is in abundance and more easily oxidized than iron and carbon, in the case of stainless steel chromium, it will be oxidized first. If you scratch past the film formed by the chromium/oxygen interaction, oxygen will be able to find and readily bond with iron and carbon and form rust.

Stainless steel will stain less, it will not be stain free and it will rust.

Now that we've had our science digression for the day, we return to your regularly scheduled thread.

Steak, you've gotten great suggestions here. I would practice your administrative gun handling on the range and get comfortable (not complacent) around a loaded weapon. You carry a firearm for personal protection and while you must be careful with it, you must also be comfortable with your administrative handling to some degree. Good luck in your endeavor.

-Rob

 

[Brasso4]

I was under the impression that Melonite was the equivalent of Tennifer, and you had to do some pretty nasty things to it to get it to rust?

Am I misinformed?

 

[Deadeye Dick]

With the exception of one pseu·do collectable High Standard revolver I don't really have any safe queens. My guns are not abused but they are used and enjoyed. I keep them clean and lubed but I don't sweat holster wear and little dings and scratches.

A little holster wear and or minor battle scars just ads character to a gun IMO.

 

[Steak]

With the exception of one pseu·do collectable High Standard revolver I don't really have any safe queens. My guns are not abused but they are used and enjoyed. I keep them clean and lubed but I don't sweat holster wear and little dings and scratches.

A little holster wear and or minor battle scars just ads character to a gun IMO.

Oh yeah I definitely agree it's just that it was the first one and you know how the first one goes. Once that happens I think I'll be good.

Plus the fact that rust was the cause and not a ding made me feel even sicker.

 

[Maddmax]

I always de-holster and wipe down with a light coat of oil at the end of the day. Old long time habbit.

 

[ccpacker]

Why Carry mowing the grass? I am not good enough a guesser so as to guess when it is safe not to carry. I carry unless I am in a place where it would be illegal to do so.

 

[toocool]

S&W stopped putting "Stainless" on the M&P slides. They are stainless.

What he said...