Electroless nickel for firearms - DFW

[WildBill]

AndyC - Thanks for the extensive post and the pictures and videos.

I used to work in a company that did plating on circuit boards and semiconductor parts.

Very interesting stuff.

[WildBill]

Oh, you're welcome, Bill - I figured I'd document the process as it's always been one of those arcane industries to me. A lot more scientific than I'd ever imagined and the testing standards are horrendously-well documented and strict; I'm pretty darned impressed.

When you are selling stuff to the US Gubmint, the MIL-STD and ASTM testing standards can be very strict.

[ELB]

This is interesting. Thanks for the pics and narratives.

[AdioSS]

How does this compare to NP3?

[AdioSS]

I have a couple NP3 coated Beretta 96's that were issued to law enforcement. I'm a big fan of it. It has a very slight yellowish tint though.

[The Annoyed Man]

I have a couple NP3 coated Beretta 96's that were issued to law enforcement. I'm a big fan of it. It has a very slight yellowish tint though.

How durable is it? Got any pics?

[AdioSS]

Not a very good picture because I swapped the slides around to show what would happen if somebody put a fullsize slide on a model that used a compact length slide & vice versa, but here. The fullsize is from 1992 & the Centurion is from 1999.


I've been told that I could use an polish like Flitz to make them shiny, but these were duty guns & have been carried a bunch. I don't feel like it's the best idea to have a shiny gun when you work night shift. Besides, I've also got a nice shiny nickel plated Billennium & a really old (from somewhere between 78-82) nickel plated original 92 for that kind of occasion.

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm telling you Andy, I canNOT wait to see them tomorrow! I'd like to get them reassembled and out to the range soon.

[The Annoyed Man]

Man, they are gorgeous!