tk2 Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 (edited) I recently bought a STI Tactical lite off the classifieds. I found out the frame was just painted and not anodized. I was getting ready to send it off to have it hard anodized, but a local gunsmith told me I should consider having it hard chromed. He thought that might give it even more longevity than hard anodizing. So what is your opinion? Would it be better to go with hard anodizing or hard chroming? Edited January 19, 2011 by tk2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Pistolero Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 I had one of my open guns chromed by Virgil Tripp back when he was still doing them. He told me that he would not chrome aluminum. It had something to do with if it wasn't done just right the chrome would come off. I would anodize it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIIID Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 If you want it HC, it will have to be plated first. HC on AL without plating will peel off. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwx40x40 Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 So who does anodizing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
want2race Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 You want class 3, or hard coat anodize. Google for places near you. You may find it expensive to do just one piece. Most non-gun anodizers are used to doing 100's of items. I've been quoted $250 to do a magwell. I didn't use that shop. You can also search in the aluminum grip threads. There are some guys that have had their gips ano'd for a good price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tk2 Posted January 19, 2011 Author Share Posted January 19, 2011 Thanks for the replies. Looks like I will go ahead and have it anodized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Cheely Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 Minimum order at the hard coat ano shops around here is $75-100. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdrissel Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 My anodizer charges $85 for Type III. Lot size up to about 200 parts. Try to find some other people who want some anodizing do and split the lot fee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tk2 Posted February 11, 2011 Author Share Posted February 11, 2011 Thanks for the replies. I ended up sending it to Scott and Springer Precision. He quoted me $125, but the killer is shipping. I sure wish there was a cheaper way to ship handguns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now