Parkerized vs Blued Finishes

[djbooya]

What's the pro/cons of parkerized vs blued finishes? Disregarding anything about the aesthetics of the finish, why would one want to choose one finish over the other? OR is it just Aesthetics? I understand the process is different, but I'm more interested in understanding the differences with the finished product.

I'm looking to pickup a pistol that comes with both finish options and I don't know why I would choose one over the other.

Thanks,

[mjsweims]

Bluing is a rust coating. It will scratch and wear in contact areas.
Parkerizing is a thicker chemical coating which does not scratch as easily. It is also has a rougher looking texture.
Just my .02

[djbooya]

Bluing is a rust coating. It will scratch and wear in contact areas.
Parkerizing is a thicker chemical coating which does not scratch as easily. It is also has a rougher looking texture.
Just my .02

Does parkerizing help against rust at all?

[norcal77]

Does parkerizing help against rust at all?

yeah, it's suppose to resist rust...bluing IMO is not very durable at all, it's just nice looking..

If you really want a durable finish go with this...

http://www.robarguns.com/np3.htm

[djbooya]

yeah, it's suppose to resist rust...bluing IMO is not very durable at all, it's just nice looking..

If you really want a durable finish go with this...

http://www.robarguns.com/np3.htm

That NP3 looks like the finish on the newer POF lowers..., but I'm not going to re-finish the gun I'm getting...just wanted to better decide between blued/parkerized finishes..and I dont necessarily need super durable. I don't plan to throw the pistol around at all.. sounds like they are basically about the same.

[hunteran]

Does parkerizing help against rust at all?

It will rust, but if you oil it, the parkerizing will actually absorb the oil and protect against corrosion. Definitely a much better choice than bluing...

[Z ME FLY]

That NP3 looks like the finish on the newer POF lowers..., but I'm not going to re-finish the gun I'm getting...just wanted to better decide between blued/parkerized finishes..and I dont necessarily need super durable. I don't plan to throw the pistol around at all.. sounds like they are basically about the same.

Actually they aren't all the same, different finishes are better than others depending on what you are going to use it for. Also what parts that you will paint or refinish.

[Snake eyes]

Personally, from my experience, I'd go with parkerized.

I had a factory blued Springfield 1911, no wear whatsoever. I came to refer to it as a rust-magnet. Definitely a high-maintinence finish. Anytime I touched it I had to wipe it off otherwise it would get rust. There was certainly no way I could carry the weapon concealed, at least not on any day when I might sweat. I traded it for a stainless Springfield.

I'm not exactly sure what the history of gun bluieng is but I've always assumed that it's what they used to try and prevent rust back before they came up with anything better. It can look very nice, but I consider my guns to be tools and not museum art.

A parkerized finish is also less reflective than blueing, if that matters to you.

[corrupt]

There's no comparison between a blued and a manganese phosphate finish, other than that they are both firearm finishes. It's like night and day.

There's something beautiful about a really well blued finish on grandpas old hunting rifle. This would be a weapon that I would take care of since it is an heirloom. However, I much prefer to purchase all my firearms in a more durable finish, like a phosphate manganese parkerized finish. I treat my weapons like tools and don't want to baby them.

[Seesm]

I am not a fan of bluing at all... It is oldschool but I woudl rather rattle can my gun than blue it... Park all the way!!

[SanPedroShooter]

Plus, certain chemicals (rust removers) can wipe that bluing right off.

[Z ME FLY]

But I might say I saw a cold blued milled ak the other day and it was NICE!!

[norcal77]

That NP3 looks like the finish on the newer POF lowers..., but I'm not going to re-finish the gun I'm getting...just wanted to better decide between blued/parkerized finishes..and I dont necessarily need super durable. I don't plan to throw the pistol around at all.. sounds like they are basically about the same.

You are right, it's the same exact finish as the POF stuff. Me personally...I'm getting this on my Python..

http://www.fordsguns.com/index-blacknickel.htm

Blued is nice, I have a couple Royal Blue Colts... but Black Nickel is better...