Is corrosion that much of an issue here? I carry daily in a leather holster and have seen no evidence of rust on a stainless slide. If whatever I'm carrying gets wet, I dry and lube it (springs rust). To me, it seems to be a non-issue.
Forged Steel Melonite -vs- Stainless Steel
So which is better for a slide?
I had my heart all set on an XD45 Compact in bi-tone with stainless slide and black frame until i called Doug's Shoot'n Sports. I would have to wait a few months for this gun which isn't that big of a deal to me but the problem now is this. The sales guy I talked to (and he seemed really nice) told me that a while back Rob Leatham (the big Springfield pro shooter) was in their store and told them that in his experience and opinion the standard forged steel melonite slide holds up to corrosion much better and in his opinion was the best way to go. The sales guy said Rob said the only real reason to get the stainless is because of the looks. Now I must admit it is the looks that catches my eye on the stainless. What do you guys think performance wise is the best? Standard melonite or stainless steel? I thought it would be stainless....
I had my heart all set on an XD45 Compact in bi-tone with stainless slide and black frame until i called Doug's Shoot'n Sports. I would have to wait a few months for this gun which isn't that big of a deal to me but the problem now is this. The sales guy I talked to (and he seemed really nice) told me that a while back Rob Leatham (the big Springfield pro shooter) was in their store and told them that in his experience and opinion the standard forged steel melonite slide holds up to corrosion much better and in his opinion was the best way to go. The sales guy said Rob said the only real reason to get the stainless is because of the looks. Now I must admit it is the looks that catches my eye on the stainless. What do you guys think performance wise is the best? Standard melonite or stainless steel? I thought it would be stainless....
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I would have to agreeCar Knocker said:Is corrosion that much of an issue here? I carry daily in a leather holster and have seen no evidence of rust on a stainless slide. If whatever I'm carrying gets wet, I dry and lube it (springs rust). To me, it seems to be a non-issue.
I would think that as long as the coating stays intact, your corrosion factor would be a non-issue. If, after time you wear away that coating, you create the potential of having the exposed, untreated metal corrode. It's not really an issue for someone who uses and takes care of their firearms, but for those that go longer between cleaning and lubes, it might be.
I would wait for the style that you want. Don't jump in early just to get the gun. You'd hate to regret it when you could have had exactly what you wanted.
I would wait for the style that you want. Don't jump in early just to get the gun. You'd hate to regret it when you could have had exactly what you wanted.
I'm not expert on the topic, but I would have to say that what you were told is hearsay at best. I don't know how much you can rely on it.
I don't know which is better, but if you think that stainless steel won't corrode think again... :roll:
Nobody said stainless won't corrode or rust.
I thought at the time that maybe the salesg uy was just telling me something to get me to buy now instead of wait. You know how some sales guys can be. That need that sale now not later.
I think you've hit the nail on the head. I've run into quite a bit of that at Doug's and Get Some both. Stainless is very rust resistant, not rust proof. Under normal carry conditions stainless shouldn't be a problem.Jeff Johnson said:I'm not expert on the topic, but I would have to say that what you were told is hearsay at best. I don't know how much you can rely on it.
So the question still remains then is the forged melonite "better" that stainless? Your answer seems to indicate that maybe it is....?howlingwolfarms said:.. Under normal carry conditions stainless shouldn't be a problem.
I just looked up melonite to find out a little more about it. Melonite is a metal treatment/finish. It can be applied to carbon or stainless steel. To have the ultamate effect I would use it on stainless. It has the rust prevention of parkerizing and the added lubracity of Teflon finishing. I would say between carbon/melonite or stainless it comes down to a matter of preference. Under normal carry conditions stainless is more than fine. Carbon/melonite under normal carry conditions is more than fine. They're 6's to me. I think the bigger question is whether you want a finished metal or not.
You beat me to it howlingarms.
Melonite IS a coating. My M&P has a Melonite coated stainles slide & barrel.
Melonite IS a coating. My M&P has a Melonite coated stainles slide & barrel.
I think it's a great way to deal with carbon steel. Against stainless I just don't see a greater advantage of either one.
I think you're right. I think they will be equally rust resistant. I really think it comes down to Doug's trying to sell the pistol with the more expensive finish. Since it isn't a common finish (bluing) they are going to charge more for the Melonite. Pick the one you like the most and sales pitch be darned.Sprfld1911 said:I think it's a great way to deal with carbon steel. Against stainless I just don't see a greater advantage of either one.
I know I've sung these guys praises before but I would go to FBMG here in Draper. Those guys talk straight to you. Explain what every you need and see that you get something you will be happy with. If you have more technical questions they have a gunsmith on site to answer what the guys in front can't. I've been in there a few times now and have never been sorry. The treat you like an old friend and are a lot of help. So go see what they have to say about if the Melonite is better or not.
Thanks for your help guys. I appreciate it.
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