Is anodizing really necessary?

[JagerTroop]

I just built an 80% AR lower, and I was wondering if I really need to anodize it. I understand that a hardcoat ano job will help prevent the fcg holes from egging over time, but how much? If I use GunKote, or something similar, am I setting myself up for a sloppy receiver in the next 1000 rds or so?

I am willing to sacrifice the aesthetic of ano, for instant gratification. Also, this is my first 80%, so it's a bit of a learning experience. My next one will get the royal treatment.

Thanks,
Eli

[chuck762]

If you don't mind your finish scratching easily then a home applied finish will work. I don't think wear will be the issue. I have tried alumahide, gun coat and cerra coat on bare aluminum items and all scratch fairly easily.

Maybe with the bake on coatings I didn't so something right but the alumahide is pretty straight forward to apply and it scratches and wears although it seems a little tougher than the other 2 coatings since it is a lot thicker.

[JagerTroop]

That's what I suspected, but wanted to be sure. Like I said, this is a R&D lower... ie., there are about 4 or 5 things I will do differently next time. Live and learn.

[DB2]

If your going to finish it at home, I recommened using some thing you bake. Norrels you need to cook after you apply. I did an upper, lower, charging handle and small parts with it. It is just as durable as anodizing. The only section with any wear is right behind the ejection port due to the empty cases. It has not come off, just mared. Understandable though, anything that gets hit 1000 times is gonna have marks no matter what.

[r08ert209cali]

duracote it

[jacques]

duracote it

+1
Duracoat or Durabake is the way to go. A very tough finish. If you use Duracoat, you will need to let it sit for 3-weeks to fully cure. Durabake is much faster. You can get either one in a spray can.