Another question on first 1911 purchase.

[gsc3zny]

I have several handguns already, both stainless and blued, as well as a polymer Springfield XD45. My question is asking for opinions on whether or not I should go stainless or black. I like the black because it would seem like if you got into a bad situation, you would want something that didn't shine, but then again the stainless looks pretty sharp. Not sure of which way to go. Any suggestions?

[den888]

Both are nice and reliable in 1911 configuration. My Gold Cup is stainless and my Commander is blue. It's a matter of personal preference, I'd say.

[ZX-10R]

My Colt is a stainless steel...I was thinking blued/ black but the stainless grew on me quick.

[FUBAR]

Get a duo tone.

[MA2]

If it is for work/duty/carry, generally recommended to go all black.

Range/HD, whatever looks good to you.

[BillCA]

Some of the hype about nickel/stainless guns is overblown.

Eons ago we tested it at night.
S&W Model 19 vs. Model 66 stainless
Colt 1911 Gov't vs. Colt 9mm Combat Commander Electroless nickel
Ruger Speed Six vs. Ruger Security Six Stainless.

We used a typical residential back yard about 30x50 feet. On one side of the house a streelight cast light down the side of the house into the yard. On other side, it was pitch black except for indirect streetlight reflecting off the 2nd story house or moonlight.


The frosted finish on the S&W Model 66 did it's job quite well. While the stainless M66 was more visible, it almost disappeared in a dimly lit back yard at more than 10 yards. At closer than 15ft you could tell it was a gun in the person's hand.

You'd think the slab sided 1911 with a matte nickel finish would shine like a beacon. Not so. Unless there was light shining on it almost directly (say the light from an open bedroom window) the gun was barely more visible than the Gov't model. Interestingly, the high polished blue of the Gov't caught more reflected moonlight and glinted a few times while the rougher stainless finish didn't. It worked as well as the S&W frosted finish.

The Ruger was a surprise. It wasn't polished, but it wasn't a bead blasted or frosted finish like the S&W. It DID reflect more light, mostly from the cylinder. At 10 yards you could still see the gun except by starlight.

If you like stainless, go that route. If you think the gun is too reflective, most gunsmiths can refer you to someone to beadblast the exterior finish to a soft matte white.

[Thomas1190]

I have always liked blued/black finishes more than stainless. The only dark finish i dont care for on new 1911s is a parkerized finish. Between parkerized and stainless, i would go stainless. Now if it were between stainless and a blued finish like on my Colt, i would take the blued hands down. There's just something about a blued 1911 with wood grips imo

Its just one of those personal preference things.

[Lead Waster]

I find this odd because ... so what if they see your gun? If they see it, then it's drawn and most likely pointed at them. Also they are not going to aim at your gun, they are going to aim at YOU. So if you have a nice black gun, but you're wearing your best Saturday Night Fever leisure suit, it's worse than if you had a shiny nickel plated pistol and you're wearing ninja wear.

Don't you WANT people to see your gun?

[DannyInSoCal]

OD Green and Black....

[c3 rolling]

My only 2 1911's are Springfield loaded and trophy match in stainless. A definite pro is that you can just bead blast the finish if it gets really scratched up. The negatives I noticed is that stainless doesnt hold oil as well as black finishes like cerakote etc. My loaded is really loose and has no signs of unusual wear at 1k + rounds. My trophy match is pretty tightly fitted and the gunsmith says there's a tiny signs of galling at 1k rounds. I dont see anything unusual but hes the professional so Im taking his word for it. Keep stainless guns very wet during prolonged range sessions. I'm thinking about having my trophy match slide finished in black so I can have the best of both worlds.

[Anchors]

I went stainless on the TRP I ordered mostly for corrosion/holster wear resistance since it will be carried daily. Although, the "black T" coat on Springfield Pros is really nice and Springfield will do it on non-custom guns for a reasonable fee.

Classic deep bluing or park always look good too. You really can't go wrong!

[Martin_B]

Get one of each

[redhemi]

Maybe you could go with black stainless.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

I love and prefer the look of blued or parked, but brushed stainless is so much easier to take care of.

[Cyphre]

Get a duo tone.

Probably the best compromise. Also the sexiest, in my opinion...