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Thanks to everyone who posted regarding the rust issue with the Kimber. Sure appreciate all of the input. Looks like I gotta get a Kimber but at least now I'm aware of the issues at hand.

PeteCamp wrote:These guys have the answer in the stainless models. I carry a full-size Custom TLE RL II (not stainless) in an OWB holster when the weather starts cooling off and just make sure I wear a good wicking T-shirt between me and any metal contact. Rust has never been a problem. My OWB holster looks like the Galco TAM listed above.

I should add that I always wear a T-shirt between me and the gun - hot weather or cold. For me, it's a matter of comfort more than anything. I just can't stand the feeling of the gun's grips up against my skin, but it does have the added benefit of wicking moisture away from the gun. But that said, on a really hot and humid day, there will sometimes be condensed moisture observable on the side of the gun which faces my body. When I see it, I just wipe it off. Between wiping, the stainless steel/alloy construction, the T-shirt, and my guns getting fired and cleaned with some degree of regularity, rust just isn't an issue. (This is also why, on the hottest days, I default to pocket carrying a revolver because a shirt over a T-shirt is just too much.)

I do have a Springfield Loaded Parkerized 5" 1911 that I carry sometimes too. The only thing stainless on that gun is the barrel and guide rod. I have worn it on hot sweaty days, and it has gotten moisture on it without getting rusty because I did the necessary maintenance. My guess is that a regularly worn carbon steel gun will remain rust free if you make it a habit to wear something like a T-shirt or Under Armor shirt between you and the gun, and simply keep the gun well oiled and regularly wiped down.

It is worth noting that lots of double stack polymer guns have stainless steel slides, even if the slide has some kind of black coating on it hiding the steel. My M&P 45 is like that. Also, my scandium framed M&P 340 snubnose has a stainless steel cylinder and barrel lining. The point being that you don't have to have stainless if you are willing to do the necessary maintenance, but while stainless steel is not an absolute guarantee of no rust, it does make things a lot easier if your weapon will be regularly carried.

Gunzilla!

The Annoyed Man wrote:I'm a sweaty fat pig, and I carry a Stainless Ultra Carry II with some regularity during summer months, and I've never had an issue with rust. Ever.

Mike1951 wrote:My Eclipse Pro would rust under the grips. It became too much trouble to remove the grips after each day of carry.

The models with aluminum frames don't have this issue.

You can send it to Walter Birdsong and get it Black-T and that will solve your rust problem.

I have had a little rust on the barrel due to sweating while reassembling it once.. cleaned it off with some light steel wool, and it's fine.

I make extra sure to not handle it with my bare hands as I'm reassembling it now, but rather use a lightly clp'd rag to piece it back together (Yes, my hands DO sweat that much XD)

Been caring my Tact Ultra II for about 10 years now, IWB hoster, ALWAYS with a T-shirt.

Never noticed a rust problem. Holster is the Tucker Silent Thunder.