Parkerized vs Stainless vs OD Green

[ArmednReady]

Im going to be purchasing a Springfield 1911 GI this week and im stuck on what finish I want it in. The gun is going to be a HD/Backpacking gun So I would like the finish to be durable and resistant to as many elements as possible. I am thinking the stainless but is there anything about the OD green or parkerized that would make them better choices? Thanks guys

[Q619]

Stainless will still rust. Ideally, a stainless gun coated with something like Black T would be best but I'm a big fan of carbon steel. It's tougher and more wear resistant. Will you notice a difference as an occasional shooter? No, but I like having the toughest material possible. A coated carbon steel gun would be my choice. Being it's not an option I'd probably go with a park'd gun and just keep it oiled but that's me. Stainless will serve you perfectly well but you do still have to clean it/wipe it down and oil it/wipe it down with oil. For $150 you can get Black T though. I'd recommend that. It's got a pretty practical price point and will serve you well.

[morrcarr67]

Parkerized for overall ease of care and durability.

[mrlightning559]

If you plan to customize I'd go stainless

[IntoForever]

Gold plate? J/K

[Oceanbob]

Think about Holster wear.

Nothing sucks as much as a newer weapon with wear marks on the slide from a Holster. I think Stainless might be better in that regard.

[mike452]

Parkerized will make it easier to refinish in the future.

OD Green will only lower your resale value. I know.. cuz that's why I have OD stuff. :-)

[9mmepiphany]

Nothing sucks as much as a newer weapon with wear marks on the slide from a Holster. I think Stainless might be better in that regard.

stainless usually picks up scratches more readily

[Vanilla Gorilla]

OD green- because chicks dig OD green

[Vette6T8]

Parkerized for overall ease of care and durability.

This:

I just parkerized my Ishapore Enfield; way easy; great finish:
Chemical Kit: ~$25
"Hillbilly-style" tank: $15