sti aluminum frame - hard anodize or hard chrome?

[tk2]

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

[Action Pistolero]

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.

[RIIID]

If you want it HC, it will have to be plated first. HC on AL without plating will peel off.

Rich

[mwx40x40]

So who does anodizing?

[want2race]

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.

[tk2]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I will go ahead and have it anodized.

[Matt Cheely]

Minimum order at the hard coat ano shops around here is $75-100.

[cdrissel]

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.

[tk2]

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.