Matte finish rifle methods?

[Paul in Idaho]

I'm looking at ideas for a new rifle, and at this point think I prefer a matte black finish on the metal. I'm a traditional guy, but don't like the sunlight flash on my blued barrel. I can't quite make myself like the looks of a bright stainless barrel either. I read through old threads here and it sounds like there are a lot of ways to make a matte finish.

Some of the posts I found said some methods could increase the risk of rust. I don't want that. Which methods do you think provide good options for weatherproof, durable matte black finishes? In various places I have seen references to anodized, powder-coating, bead-blasting, and Cerakote.

If I find a rifle that has everything I want, but isn't available in matte black, are there companies that can apply the finish without damaging the rifle's functionality or accuracy? A stainless steel barrel with matte black finish seems like a great option for durability, but I don't know that much about the topic.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

The rifle I am currently building is stainless with a dark grey Cerkote. I am still waiting on the stock, but I really like the finish on it.

 

[MKotur325]

I'm looking at ideas for a new rifle, and at this point think I prefer a matte black finish on the metal. I'm a traditional guy, but don't like the sunlight flash on my blued barrel. I can't quite make myself like the looks of a bright stainless barrel either. I read through old threads here and it sounds like there are a lot of ways to make a matte finish.

Some of the posts I found said some methods could increase the risk of rust. I don't want that. Which methods do you think provide good options for weatherproof, durable matte black finishes? In various places I have seen references to anodized, powder-coating, bead-blasting, and Cerakote.

If I find a rifle that has everything I want, but isn't available in matte black, are there companies that can apply the finish without damaging the rifle's functionality or accuracy? A stainless steel barrel with matte black finish seems like a great option for durability, but I don't know that much about the topic.

Cerakote is a Fantastic option for rifle finishes, and Yes there are shops/smiths who can apply them for you w/o affecting the accuracy capabilities of the rifle. Is it resilient? Yes. Cerakote is a ceramic based coating that is very hard and chip resistant.

Anodizing and bead blasting are options probably best left up to the factory... If you are looking for an aftermarket finish option for a firearm, I wouldn't look any further than Cerakote.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Here is a closeup of my build, so you can see the finish. The Cerakote color is Cobalt Gray, and you can see a slightly different color on the bolt, that is another coating they have called Microslick, it is super smooth and holds up better to metal on metal wear.

 

[stillkickin]

I had a rifle built last year, B&C Medalist stock, flat black Cerakote on all the metal parts and barrell (which was stainless). Endured a raging salt spray storm in Newfoundland for a solid week. No rust, no problems with accuracy. Everyone else on hunt had major rust and stock swelling in periods of exposure of 6 hours or less. I believe that I could have left my rifle outside all week and it would have held up. PM me if you want info on my gunsmith as he does a fine job at a decent price..........

 

[sneakypete]

Minnesota hunter , I like that look of your gun! I had a hunting partner who recently passed away who had a wildcat 300, that was done a Brown engineering that they tefloned the barrel . Yours is very nice though. Some day my new rifle is a extreme weather model 70 7mm.

 

[jryoung]

Here is a closeup of my build, so you can see the finish. The Cerakote color is Cobalt Gray, and you can see a slightly different color on the bolt, that is another coating they have called Microslick, it is super smooth and holds up better to metal on metal wear.

Like a boss. We should go on a "bring your .260 hunt".

 

[Summitthunting]

Minnesota Hunter, who did the work on your gun?

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Like a boss. We should go on a "bring your .260 hunt".

Like to Alaska, or an elk point burning session in WYOMING?

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Minnesota Hunter, who did the work on your gun?

Northwest Actionworks out of Oregon. This was a departure from their normal work (tactical/LR hunting rifles), mine is a lightweight in 260 Rem. McMillian is torturing me right now by withholding my edge stock.

 

[fishing4sanity]

Another vote for Cerakote and Microslick. I've seen some good work done with Duracoat paint as well, but I'm sure Cerakote will hold up better to rough/frequent use. Also, a photo of some more work done through Northwest Action Works.

 

[Paul in Idaho]

Thanks everyone. The Cerakote photos look great.

 

[St52v]

If you go over to snipers hide there a group buy going on and a crycote job is $62.50 plus rifle disassembly and assembly.