ltwguns.com

Can anyone tell me what the limitations are on the boron carbide finish for guns such as the 1911 autos? Also, how much does the finish cost and who is the best person to contact for it?

Regards,
Jeff

STI is offering a PVD finish on their Legacy pistols, which I suspect is boron carbide. I got to handle one of their guns a couple of weeks ago, and it looks just like the bc finish that I had applied to my gun, by Bodycote, four years ago. I've also recently handled a Nighthawk custom with a finish that they call Diamondblack, which is what Bodycote was calling their finish.

Hi Rick,

Thanks for all the good information about the finish. Any idea what the current costs are and how long the wait is?

Regards,
Jeff

Last I heard, which was three years ago, Bodycote was not dealing at all with the public, and I don't know if any individuals, even gunsmiths, have access; they deal only with manufacturers.

Where can someone see some pictures to get a good idea of what this finish looks like?

If I am not mistaken Kahr uses that finish on its black guns.

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"Domari Nolo"

If I remember correctly, there was a bunch of info (with pics) on either Pistolsmith.com or 1911forum.com or maybe on both.

Do a search on "boron carbide" or "Body Cote", I'm sure you'll find something.

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Sic Semper Tyrannis

Here is a picture of a gun I did last year plated in DLC, and some pure carbon fiber stocks. A friend of mine who lives in Florida is an avid shooter and someone who puts a gun through it's paces also has a gun plated in DLC with 80,000 rounds through it with no discernable wear.

This finish has tons of upside. I am doing another gun in DLC here in the future. The process only heats the metal to around 300 degrees, so it doesn't threaten the steel at all.

I still love a blued Colt...just seeing what else is out there. Hard chrome is an unbelievable finish. I don't mind "white" guns but for some of the people who don't want a white finish DLC would be a great choice.

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Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
- General George Patton Jr

What company offers the DLC coating?

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Hard work pays off

Looks like you are in Seattle? I purchased the gun that Steve posted a pic of. If you want to check out the finish in person sometime, let me know. I'm often at Wades, or up at Sams in Everett.

The combination of the matt finish and the polished side flats look great. I know I'm biased, but the gun is stunning to look at in person. It's also a great shooter. Everyone that has tried it so far just gets this big smile on their face.

I'm having a holster made for it and should have it in a month or so. Once I get that, I'll be able to see how the finish wears over time.

Rob

What is "DLC" short for?

DLC is Diamond like coating or diamond like carbon coatings. Somewhat new to firearms and certainly new to the custom gun builders. It is an excellent finish.

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Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
- General George Patton Jr