Gunsmithing Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

[Brushout]

Hey guys,

I have a quick questions and YES I have used the search engine and read several posts but none really fit what I was wondering.

I have a Sig X-Five and its all SS. I love the gun, but hate silver pistols. I was looking to have it finished jet black. I know that Gray Guns offers the Salt Bath in a "superblack" finish. Has anyone had experience in this? Does anyone have more recommendations for coating this pistol?

Who is a good person or company to contact for this work?

Thanks!

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

The only issue I have with salt bath nitriding is the temperature at which it is done. Look into Ionbond for the pistol. Not as cheap, but it is as hard or harder and is only applied at 300-400 degrees.

Josh

 

[Oddball Six]

Re: Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

Check with the manufacturer. Some may void the warranty if you do that procedure as it has the POTENTIAL to weaken the metal depending on what material your parts are and how exact the timing of the batch is.

 

[rsilvers]

Re: Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

You don't want to do that to stainless steel - it reduces corrosion protection and for an unknown stainless the results will be unpredictable. PVD, such as Ion Bond, would be the way to go for a stainless pistol.

Or you could just GunKote or CeraKote it.

 

[Brushout]

Re: Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

Thanks guys. I have been directed to a refinsiher here on the hide that does Ion-Bond. It does seem the way to go. Its a little more, but I think it will work great in the long run.

Thanks for all the PMs and input!

 

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Re: Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

Coal Creek Armory sells their own pistols with SBN applied, and applies it to customers' guns. MMI/Trutec applies SBN to rifle barrels, which surely must be a more delicate operation than pistols. They're both calling is "Isonite," which I believe is a trade name first registered by a Japanese company.

rsilvers, where did you come across the information on rust inhibition? Everything I've come across was just the opposite.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

Fred,

I have heard that it isn't so much the application to the frame and slide, but the application to the small parts. That salt bath at 1200 degrees is right at, or above, some heat treat temps. I personally do not intend to find out, but I do know some people do it.

It should be known that multiple custom receiver manufacturers will void your warranty if it is applied due to the temps involved.

Josh

 

[JRWALLSIII]

Re: Salt Bath Nitriding on a Pistol

BAT Machine highly reccomends getting there actions done in Salt Bath Nitride.

There actions are Stainless Steel

MMI Trutech does the nitriding for BAT

The finish is amazing!!

My action turned out fantastic!!! As you know BAT is one of the top action makers in the world. Built for accuracy. If they suggest Salt Bath, I don't see how temperture will negatively affect actions in stainless steel.....No idea what it would do to a pistol frame. Call MMI