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So if I did something like a Ruger SR9c that has color options, I am thinking it would be best to go with black to reduce the chance of a concealment gaff.



Would that be the general consensus, or it should really matter because if it is concealed properly - its never seen anyway?

it'll never be seen, but it's your choice. i've been thinking about getting an OD glock for carry.

Concealed is concealed. Color doesn't matter.

However the DURABILITY of each color, which is actually different metals and/or metal finishes/coatings, can be very different and important consideration.

For instance, a stainless or nickel plated (silver) finish will resist corrosion better than simple gun bluing (bluish black color), but many other "black" guns have tenifer or similar metal treatments (Glocks) or superhard coatings that are more corrosion resistant than stainless.

I think if you are doing what you are supposed to,and keep it concealed,then it shouldnt matter what color it is.All3 of my .45s are two-tone.

This is a fine point, but can be a consideration in some circumstances:

In the event of a wardrobe malfunction, a black gun will not be as obvious against white clothing (e.g. a black shirt worn under a covering vest or jacket) as a stainless one would. The lack of color contrast reduces the already slim chance that someone will notice and recognize it.

Correspondingly, a stainless gun will not create as much contrast against light colored clothing with similar results, depending on how close the match is. Black grips will negate some but not all of this effect.

Some also believe that the contrast between a stainless finish and the black bore hole at the muzzle when seen from the front (by a bad guy) makes it look bigger and more intimidating. There may be some truth to this, but most witnesses describe the bore of almost any gun as looking as big as a train tunnel (because of some of the neuropsychological effects of a life threatening encounter), so I don't see that as a reason that should influence color choice.

Remember, this is a very fine point and not to be relied on because some folks are much more alert than others. Concealed means concealed. IMHO, durability under the expected circumstances of use should be the primary driver behind choice of finish.

terryg wrote:So if I did something like a Ruger SR9c that has color options, I am thinking it would be best to go with black to reduce the chance of a concealment gaff.



Would that be the general consensus, or it should really matter because if it is concealed properly - its never seen anyway?

Terry, the part of the gun that is most likely to become unintentionally exposed - the grip frame - is nearly the same color on both of these guns. Most or all of the slides will be hidden by whatever holster you choose to carry them in. The law uses the words "intentional failure to conceal." That doesn't mean don't treat it without due regard, and certainly a zealous prosecutor may choose to persecute you for accidentally allowing your gun to be exposed, as one of our members found out to his great unhappiness. But, that seems to be the exception rather than the rule, or most of us would be staying at the graybar hotel at some point in our lives due to the tender ministrations of the wind and/or car seats.

As to stainless vs non stainless, sometimes you can't tell just by looking. For instance, S&W's M&P pistols have stainless steel slides, coated with black melonite. I believe the same is true of Springfield's XD and XDm lines. So maybe black is better, or maybe it doesn't matter. My M&P 45 has a dark earth frame and a black slide. It pretty much screams "GUN!!!" if it is exposed. I choose not to worry about it.

Strap it on, cover it up, forget about it.

[offtopic]
BTW, I just realized that I passed 5,000 posts 31 posts ago, and I didn't even notice it! I need to get a life.
[/offtopic]

The Annoyed Man wrote:[offtopic]
BTW, I just realized that I passed 5,000 posts 31 posts ago, and I didn't even notice it! I need to get a life.
[/offtopic]

I'm in more need than you brother!!!

Charles even kicked it into high gear...Passed me up like I wuz goin' backwards...

You two are very opinionated, but keep it up, the insight is good stuff.

As for the gun color...ehhh..it's hidden. I like metal guns, but that is just a personal choice. I have a really pretty polished stainless steel side arm that never sees the light of day. I like it because I am a gun dork, but it is not appreciated by anyone else but me.

It's not a fasion statement, but in the case of an emergency, I will look good to a very select crowd.

The Annoyed Man wrote:[offtopic]
BTW, I just realized that I passed 5,000 posts 31 posts ago, and I didn't even notice it! I need to get a life.
[/offtopic]

I'm impressed. I've been lurking around this forum since 2007 and still have less than 150 posts.

terryg wrote:So if I did something like a Ruger SR9c that has color options, I am thinking it would be best to go with black to reduce the chance of a concealment gaff.



Would that be the general consensus, or it should really matter because if it is concealed properly - its never seen anyway?

Every carry weapon I have owned has been black or blue, because I would rather not have anything bright and shiny drawing attention....just in case. Again, concealed is concealed.

I knew a guy who was concerned his two-tone handgun would be spotted. I then pointed out he used a brown full-coverage holster that would contrast against his clothing more than the gun.

well if its concealed its not going to be seen anyways. I would think more about what is a better finish for you. I like stainless not because its flashy or anything but because of wear and maintenance. On the two SR9cs shown I would take stainless over the black. Why? Just a personal preference. I use to tote around an all stainless fullsize 1911 with zero concealment issues. Nice pic tho I had not seen the SR9c's yet.

SR9 is a good gun. I would have liked to pick up the SR9C but the grip might be too small for my hands. I didn't even know there was an all black option. I probably would still pick the stainless but the all black is sharp looking. It all depends on personal taste.

We really need a faded denim / white T-shirt finish for handguns.