Haraise

Looks like nitrocarb is .0004-.0008. That makes it by far the thickest of the three applications we're talking about here. Interesting.

Good eyes on that. .0002" - .0003" is the correct thickness for Black-T. IonBond is just a touch thinner at about .00015 then.

Whew. Ok. So black t is about .001-.002 thick. Lots of mixed reviews about Ionbond. I like the polished finish of it. Anyone know how thick nitrocarb is?

Yep, grandpa guns! I'm really liking the look of polished Ionbond... Having such a hard time deciding on finish.

So ionbond should have no issue if it's on a brand new gun, yeah?

Matt Cheely said he recommended Nitrocarb instead of DLC because of flaking worries.

Yeah, I've heard a lot of good about DLC. I've also heard it flakes and wears when applied to small parts. I do know that it doesn't self lubricate, though. This isn't about the gun being pretty. It's about it working.

Did you actually do any research on what the black t process is before going on about how it's paint, or do you consider understanding what you're talking about below you? "It is a multi-step process that employs a series of chemically bonding production steps..." Not paint. That's the first sentence of the first page of black-t.com. Jeez. Black-T is a finish that protects and lubricates after the black has been completely worn away. Chemical bonding.

http://www.black-t.com/technicalinfo.htm

That's a bit of a silly thing to say. Black-T isn't paint.

Pretty sure I'm going with Black T. It might wear and be less pretty, but it's going to work.

Getting a custom build done, anyone have experience in both? I don't like how nitrocarbonization looks dry, and it feels a little rough, and I really like how Black-T is self lubricating, but it wears way more. The usage is a can't fail carry gun, and I think that puts black t out front, but I'm curious what everyone here thinks.

Yeah, but I don't want to hijack this thread entirely! I have it posted in my 'carry gun' thread in Matt's forum here.

I'm right there with you. I have a 4.25 top end on order with him, and I'm debating between a 5 or 6" sight tracker as well. x.x

Probably not ahead of you in line, I doubt my check has even reached his house yet! But yeah, I'll post pics probably everywhere, and treat it like a metal baby. o.o Maybe I should get one of those foldout wallets so that I can show people the pictures... Aww here she is with a new slide, here she is getting her first slide cut, here she is coming together with the frame! So grown up! And putting on a finish.. sniff... they just grow up so fast.

Yep, I just went through Cheely for the 9mm 2011 I wanted, exactly how I wanted it. No compromise, all perfect. I wouldn't recommend anything other than just what you want at the price.

I'm in that club! I'm worried my head might explode before the months are up!

That's a good suggestion! I'm rather locked into this deal with Matt though, I'm excited about how it'll go! ...and I've talked to him way too much. He says: "I think you've considered just about everything and then some. By far the most involved customer I've ever had!"

Hm, that's a good point! I never thought of how really useless it is to thumb cock the hammer... I can't think of a reason to have anything but a flat hammer at all, actually. Am I missing anything? o.o

I saw the buildup on that! I might not post much, but I've read thousands of posts here doing research before posting up. Infinity seems nice, but... they're all about heavy stuff. I really want a gun under 36oz, by as much as possible. Carry, no magwell. It seems to be counter to all they have on the website, but Matt has REALLY been working with me on making sure I get EXACTLY what I want. It's not so much about worrying about the wait, for me, but I want exactly what I want (I'm a perfectionist). If I get a gun and it's even a LITTLE less good than another, it just gets sold. No collection for me, I only want the best! Why'd you go with the really short hammer for a carry gun, though? I'm not sure what to choose yet myself.

Wow, Matt REALLY REALLY responds to emails. Great CS!

I did already email you... and I'm sending off a huge one for you now. I'm quite serious and there are a lot of details to hit on this... Less Bear doesn't make a 2011 frame, no.

I'm all about going with a custom smith, but... I hear that SVI puts Les Baer to shame for putting together amazing guns. Can other shops really match that?

SVI was my first choice, but seeing that their base price has doubled in five years and the wait is very, very long, I'm looking elsewhere first... Who would be the place you'd choose to get a can't fail 2011? I've been looking around, here and other places, but I'm curious to hear what people here will say. Spoke to some people who make a custom handgrip for it (SRT grip) and it should be small enough to fit my hand, I'd never looked at a 2011 before for that reason. But, where would you recommend I go? I've contacted two people, waiting to hear back.