In a previous thread started by Spcammo there was a discussion regarding options for a durable corrosion resistant finish. CanAm joined in and suggested Melonite. I knew next to nothing about the process and speaking frankly; I thought it a was a baked on finish similar to Cerakote. I was of course quite wrong as it is a type of case hardening process that blackens the metal and leaves it corrosion resistant. When my brain comprehended a case hardening process that makes a gun rust resistant, gives it a nice black finish, and effectively doesn't affect the tolerances I decided I had to have me some of that. At the suggestion of CanAm I contacted Nitrera, and they agreed to do my rifles. I sent them 2 bolt action rifles, a CZ 455, a CZ 527, and a spare barrel for the 455. I had to completely disassemble both rifles and send them broken down, ready to be put through the process. The CZ 527 tested my poor vision and fumbling fingers, but I got it done. I did not send either of the trigger assemblies, the CZ 527 front sight blade due to the brass bead, or any springs. It should be noted that I sent all the small pins from both the rifles which are quite small interference fit components: the process did not have a negative effect on the pins. Out of curiosity I pounded a couple of the pins in and removed them again to see if the black finish would be marred, and it was not. The barrel of the CZ 455 I sent had some light rust pitting near the muzzle, which vanished without a trace when I got it back: I was very surprised by this.
Here's a few pics to get an idea of what it looks like. I'll try to also get a YouTube video of the rifles out in the next few weeks.
First the CZ 455 where it used to be rust pitted.
The process did not affect proof marks or lettering.
I'll need red nail polish to put the red dot back on.
Random pics.
Thank you very much Nitrera and Jonathan for your fine work, everything is gorgeous and I'm extremely pleased with the results!
A few thoughts:
I won't discuss my specific cost to having this done, as doing low volume private sales is new for Jonathan and Nitrera and I want to them to be free to adjust their pricing so it can be a profitable venture for them; I like their product and I want them to make decent money doing it so I can send them more stuff. I will however say it was cheaper than sending something out to be Cerakoted by a good margin.
Should this process replace Cerakote/Duracoat/etc? As primary corrosion resistance and base finish, yes, but if you want something other than matte black then do both.
Why don't more firearms come with this done to them?
Here's a few pics to get an idea of what it looks like. I'll try to also get a YouTube video of the rifles out in the next few weeks.
First the CZ 455 where it used to be rust pitted.
The process did not affect proof marks or lettering.
I'll need red nail polish to put the red dot back on.
Random pics.
Thank you very much Nitrera and Jonathan for your fine work, everything is gorgeous and I'm extremely pleased with the results!
A few thoughts:
I won't discuss my specific cost to having this done, as doing low volume private sales is new for Jonathan and Nitrera and I want to them to be free to adjust their pricing so it can be a profitable venture for them; I like their product and I want them to make decent money doing it so I can send them more stuff. I will however say it was cheaper than sending something out to be Cerakoted by a good margin.
Should this process replace Cerakote/Duracoat/etc? As primary corrosion resistance and base finish, yes, but if you want something other than matte black then do both.
Why don't more firearms come with this done to them?
