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Posted: 3/16/2010 8:29:06 AM EDT
I am looking at hard-chroming my factory-folder Mini-14. Maybe I watched "The A-Team" one too many times.   Anyway, what can anyone tell me about the pros and cons of this. I would be doing this after some barrel-shortening-and-FS-pinning activities, and would be including the magazines and the Ultimak rail as well. I'm looking for a satin finish a la stainless. Are any of the Duracoat/Gunkote systems a better alternative, and if so why? Thanks! |
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I have no direct experience with hard chrome other than seeing it.
Matte hard chrome looks good, but its a plating process. If you don't like it you've got to get it removed. Where as using gunkote matte stainless (still a good solid coating option) would allow to you (if you don't like the result) to change it much easier than the hard chrome. YMMV. |
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Where as using gunkote matte stainless (still a good solid coating option) Any ideas what that looks like? I know of a few 1911's that are done in it that are posted on the board. I'll see if I can go dig one up. 
There is one I found in the intra-webs. |
| I've been carrying my 1911 with a hard chromed frame for a few years now. I didn't want a shiny or tacky looking finish, so mine is bead blasted to give it a matte finish. The HC is very tough and durable, if you would like I can take some close-up pics of the current wear. I love it enough that I'm looking to get set up to do this treatment myself, I've done some dura-coat, parkerize and messed around with bluing, so I think I can do a good job of it. Fot the line of guns I own that I'd like to HC, it will be much cheaper for me to get set up to treat my own. |
| nickle plate it! a bit faster than chrome. Plus cheaper, and will give the satin look right off. Plus, if you want a semi shine, just spend some time with a polishing wheel! If you want see yourself in the finish shine, than it needs to be glass smooth when you nickle plate it, or you can "show chrome" it faster. Takes three coats of diff metal. Then polishing up with wheel on drill. |
Why not sell your rifle and buy a stainless one? That's what the A-team had  . Much cheaper too.
Or have it Duracoated in "stainless steel" color. It can be satin or matte. Plus the Duracoat can be applied to accessories, handguards, aluminum, plastic parts etc. HardChroming a rifle I would guess may cost $300 plus and is only for steel. |
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