I've recently built a 1911 in stainless, and it is easy to work with. It's got corrosion protection, it's an instant re-finish, it's consistently shaded, etc. My next build, though, will likely be a carry gun, and carry guns I think, should not be shiny.
So, what are the options for that? Do people often blacken stainless steel?
Is Cerakote or Duracote suitable for a tight stainless 1911? Is is durable enough for a carry gun?
Or do people just go traditional blued? Do blued guns have enough corrosion protection? Would having to re-blue (with cold blue) any fitted pieces become a liability for a carry gun?
What about the bizarre or proprietary finishes like ionbond? I don't think anyone local does this, and unless something is truly the most amazing finish ever, I'm not wild about the idea of a refinish costing $250+.
So, what are the options for that? Do people often blacken stainless steel?
Is Cerakote or Duracote suitable for a tight stainless 1911? Is is durable enough for a carry gun?
Or do people just go traditional blued? Do blued guns have enough corrosion protection? Would having to re-blue (with cold blue) any fitted pieces become a liability for a carry gun?
What about the bizarre or proprietary finishes like ionbond? I don't think anyone local does this, and unless something is truly the most amazing finish ever, I'm not wild about the idea of a refinish costing $250+.