NP3+ vs Black Nitride vs Armoloy vs DLC

[PhilosopherKing]

Sources:
https://armoloyfw.com/protect-your-firearm-with-armoloy-tdc/
https://www.ibccoatings.com/melonite-qpq/
http://blacknitride.com/qpq-processes/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond-like_carbon

Importance in order for this topic
1 reliability preferably long-term
2 functionality of precision, and speed

With these considered, those of you that likely know more than me, if you were to have your entire defensive and or competitive tool coated (at least the parts that make sense to do so) which of these 3 coatings would you use to improve 1 and or 2, and explitly why?

Edited January 30, 2023 by PhilosopherKing

[Johnny_Chimpo]

1 hour ago, PhilosopherKing said:

Sources:
https://armoloyfw.com/protect-your-firearm-with-armoloy-tdc/
https://www.ibccoatings.com/melonite-qpq/
http://blacknitride.com/qpq-processes/

Importance in order for this topic
1 reliability preferably long-term
2 functionality of precision, and speed

With these considered, those of you that likely know more than me, if you were to have your entire defensive and or competitive tool coated (at least the parts that make sense to do so) which of these 3 coatings would you use, and explitly why?

 

1. None

2. If the pistol needed it, it would come that way

3. My consulting fee starts at $200 per hour

[PhilosopherKing]

14 hours ago, Johnny_Chimpo said:

 

1. None

2. If the pistol needed it, it would come that way

3. My consulting fee starts at $200 per hour

Edited verbiage for clarity. Do you have direct experience with these coatings for improving the system(s) that exists?

 

This is what I'm finding so far.

Barrel: Chrome lining or DLC coating can increase wear resistance and durability of the barrel. The barrel is a key part that undergoes heavy use and repeated wear can reduce accuracy over time. A coating that withstands wear can extend the barrel's lifespan, improving accuracy and reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Slide: The slide, responsible for chambering and ejecting rounds, experiences high wear as well. A DLC or NP3+ coating can enhance lubricity and corrosion resistance of the slide, reducing friction and increasing reliability. The low friction also decreases the effort required to cycle the action, improving speed and accuracy.

Frame: The frame serves as the main structure of the firearm and requires protection from corrosion and wear. NP3+ or Black Nitride coatings can offer good corrosion protection and low friction properties to the frame, extending the firearm's lifespan and improving reliability.

Trigger components: A clean and crisp trigger pull is crucial for accuracy and speed in competition shooting. NP3+ coating is a good option for trigger components as it provides excellent lubrication and low friction, reducing trigger creep and enhancing trigger feel.

NP3+ is a soft, slippery coating that offers good corrosion resistance and low friction. It is known for its high lubricity and is often used on parts requiring good lubrication like triggers and moving parts. NP3+ has a low coefficient of friction, reducing wear and enhancing reliability. Of the commonly used coatings (NP3+, Black Nitride, Armoloy, DLC), NP3+ is considered to have the highest lubricity and is the ideal coating for parts requiring low friction and good lubrication. The other coatings offer durability and wear resistance but not the same level of lubricity as NP3+.

 

For the hammer and sear components of a firearm, a low friction and highly lubricated coating is preferred to reduce friction and wear. NP3+ (Nickel Teflon) is often considered to be a good option for these components, as it provides excellent lubrication and low friction properties. The low coefficient of friction of NP3+ helps to reduce wear and increase reliability. Other coatings, such as Black Nitride, Armoloy, and DLC, may also provide good wear resistance, but they typically don't offer the same level of lubrication as NP3+.

 

For the safety, trigger bar, and slide takedown lever, NP3+ or DLC coating may also be good options due to their low friction and good lubrication properties. The goal for these parts is to reduce friction and wear, improving the reliability and functionality of the firearm.

 

NP3+ (Nickel Teflon) is often considered to have lower friction properties compared to DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. NP3+ has a low coefficient of friction, which helps to reduce wear and increase reliability, making it a popular choice for parts that require good lubrication and low friction, such as triggers and moving parts. On the other hand, DLC is known for its high hardness and durability, making it a good choice for high-wear parts, such as slides.

 

So this all being said, The parts that require high hardness and high durability over lubricity, then DLC is the way to go. The components that require high lubricity NP3+ is the way to go.

 

NP3+: High lubricity, good durability

DLC: High durability, low lubricity.

Black Nitride: High durability, good lubricity

Armoloy: High durability, moderate lubricity

 

From what I understand the high wear parts that require more durability are; barrel, slide, frame, safety, trigger bar, slide takedown lever, hammer, sear, and related components. So those high wear components DLC everything else NP3 +.

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2023 by PhilosopherKing

[HOGRIDER]

[zzt]

P, you have to think about the thickness of the coatings.    With chrome, NP3+, etc. you have to remove metal so when those relatively thick coatings are applied, the gun will still function.  Black Oxide and DLC are only several nanometers thick and do not require metal removal.  All of these coatings are applied with heat.  So you may have some light lapping to do when returned.  There may be some slight warping.  Even though the chart posted above shows minimal thickness for chrome and NP3, I have personal experience that they come out much thicker.  Same for Cerakote.

 

You DO NOT want to coat your sear and hammer.  No manufacturer recommends that, and several specifically state not to do that.  I've asked EGW if they have any heartburn over DLC for their ambi safety and HD extractor.  They don't say don't do it, but recommend against.

 

I'd go for DLC.  It is hard and wear resistant.  You lube your gun, so why worry about lubricity.