NP3?

[Barbarosa]

So I walk into the LGS today and spot a 2.5" Model 19 for a decent price. At first I thought it was a mis-marked Model 66 because it appeared to be SS, but upon closer inspection I noticed the gun was refinished. A quick look at the tag showed it had been finished in NP3.

At this point I am still not sure if it looks really cool or is an abomination. I guess it would've helped if I knew what NP3 was so I checked out the Robar web site to get an education. I'm still not convinced so I am looking for real life experiences from those of you who have handled the stuff. Is it any good? I would use it as a shooter and as a ranch gun, so it would get bumped and such. Will it hold up or chip and flake?

Thanks for the input.

[L84CABO]

Everything I've read about NP3 is that it's a heck of a finish. I haven't actually seen a gun in person though so I'm not sure how it looks in real life. If you liked the look, I don't think you can go wrong with it.

[craneman]

I have it on an alloy framed 1911. Love it. Feels good, looks great, and so far the wear on the rails is non-existant. I don't know about chipping, as I handle my firearms without banging them around.

I think you'll like it.

[CouchOperator]

LMT MWS bolts are NP3 finished. While i havent had any issues, i also cant say its any better than standard phosphate.

[9mmepiphany]

NP3 is nothing more than electroless nickle (EN) with teflon added for slickness. It isn't some much the inherent properties of the application that determines it's resistance to wear, but the surface prep before the nickle is applied.

EN is highly resistant to corrosion as it was originally use for oil drilling rigs on sea platforms...where it was constantly exposed to sea air/water.

I have a SIG 226 that was finished in EN and it wore very well...with the only wear being slightly shinny surfaces where it rubbed on the holster.

I also have LE-surplus Beretta 96 magazines which were finished by Robar in NP3 which have not held up as well. I bought 10 and 8 are in great shape. One has the finish chipping around the baseplate and the other has the finish flaking off the body where it runs against the frame.

What I'm trying to say is the finish will hold up, or not, depending on how well Robar prepped the surface. His recent work, last 10 years, isn't as nice as his older work.

I'd actually prefer an EN finished M19 over a M66...the finish is a warmer hue

[nick]

The slide on one of my Dan Wessons is finished in NP3. It's my competition 1911, so I use it more than the other 1911s. The finish on the slide help up fine, with less holster wear than I'd expect. The finish on the rails is shinier than on the rest of the slide, but that's about it.