Two-tone shield?

[ammodave]

I have an older shield that I've had for some time but I think I'd like to go two-tone with a matte stainless slide. Is there a good diy approach or should just go for a professional refinish? I removed the rear sight years ago to polish the internals but the front sight has never been moved. Is the front sight hard to remove? FWIW the original slide is in pristine condition with no rust or damage.

 

[CB3]

Front sight comes off about as easily (or hard) as the rear.

Once the slide is stripped, bead blast the external surfaces with medium to fine media. You will have a matte stainless finish.

I think.

I believe the silver nitrate finish is only slightly deeper than the surface, and bead blasting should remove it.

I have done this same treatment to a couple of matte stainless Kahrs on which I changed the profile of the front and rear corners and chamfered other sharp edges, like around the ejection port. Nice even finish when done, but it started off stainless, not "Armonite".

I also did the same with a couple of blued Keltecs years ago, but those were not stainless slides.

Your local machine shop with a bead blaster should be able to tell you if the Melonite-type finish can be removed by blasting.

Hopefully someone else with first-hand knowledge will post and tell you the truth.

 

[ultratec00]

You can always have the slide cerakoted to any color you want, including brushed stainless. This will cover any slight imperfections and in some cases tighten up the slide to frame fit. Typical cost is <$100, but make sure you have someone who knows what they're doing.

 

[mlk18]

A bead blast finish of the stainless slide will not only look good but will allow you to touch up and marks with a dish pad, just like with the older stainless 3rd gens.

 

[Bigpoppa]

I sent mine to Robar to get the NP3 nickel finish on the slide for the two tone look plus the lubricity is very good to cut down on friction.

 

[ammodave]

Has anyone here actually bead blasted their slide? A previous post by James indicated he had encountered dark discolorations around the ejection port and sight dovetails that could not be removed by bead blasting. I'd prefer to leave the slide unfinished if I can.

 

[Smooth1]

I sent mine to Robar to get the NP3 nickel finish on the slide for the two tone look plus the lubricity is very good to cut down on friction.

I've thought of doing that. Can you post a picture after you get it back?