Handgun Finish. Thoughts?

[Petrol & Powder]

I've always liked stainless steel but it's not always an option. For carbon steel handguns My experience with electroless nickel and similar finishes like Robar's NP3 has been very positive. Unfortunately Robar's prices have climbed to the point that I'm looking at alternatives. Never been a fan of Cerakote or the similar finishes. Birdsong Black-T looks pretty tough.

Thoughts? Experiences? Opinions?

[straightwall]

A good blued finish works well for me. Rust blue is the most durable. Hot blue is next in durability.
I like the look of honest use on a blued gun. A blurring job shouldn't be that expensive compared to the finishes you mentioned.

I live in Houston, TX and rusted blueing is not a problem for me. It doesn't happen on my guns. I don't leave my guns in my car though. :)

[Petrol & Powder]

I like the look of blued guns but it is probably the weakest finish when it comes to working guns and rust resistance.
I clean my guns when I shoot them and never store them dirty but for a gun that gets carried in rain, high humidity and exposed to sweat, a blued finish requires a lot of attention.
A NP3 finish is not only very tough but it is easier to clean. The trade off is cost.

[Boolit_Head]

Para started using Ionbond, and the examples I have seen look good.

[Petrol & Powder]

Yep, there are some good factory finishes out there. The Tenifer on a Glock is just about indestructible. The Burniton finish on the Beretta 92 series was pretty tough but it could be damaged under extreme use.

[Paul_R]

I have a Kimber Classic Custom that has a finish from CCR http://www.ccrrefinishing.com/information.html
(http://www.ccrrefinishing.com/information.html)
Looks fantastic, a deep blue/black, and it's tough as nails. It's also inherently slick and my slide feels like it's on ball bearings.

[Petrol & Powder]

I had forgot about Cummings Custom. Thanks !

[tja6435]

http://www.mahovskysmetalife.com/PriceSheet%20Page%205.htm

[44man]

I love blue like the S&W's but for all else, stainless is best. A scratch can be removed with Scotch Brite. No need to clean all the time and oil.

[Petrol & Powder]

Anyone use Black-T?