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Q&As since 1989


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Treatments for firearm slides

AN INQUIRY AS TO THE FEASIBILITY OF USING A TEFLON COATING FOR MY SEMI AUTO FIREARM TO
REDUCE THE WEAR AND TEAR ON THE SLIDE. HAS ANYONE TRIED THIS BEFORE? CAN OR DOES IT WORK?
ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME, AS THIS IS JUST A THOUGHT THAT FLASHED THROUGH MY MINDSCREEN TODAY. ARE THERE ANY OTHER PRODUCTS OUT THERE THAT ANYONE KNOWS OF THAT WILL DO
THE SAME OR SIMILAR.

HARRY MILLER
- LAS VEGAS, Nevada, USA
April 21, 2008

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Hi, Harry. I'm no firearms expert, so I may be completely wrong, but I don't think a firearms slide offers enough clearance for teflon coating. The QPQ process seems ideal because it gives a hard and wear resistant slide.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 22, 2008

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I would expect the barrel of a semi auto to be worn out long before the slide has any significant wear.
In any case, unless the slide has an alignment function for the barrel, it is usually a sloppy fit to allow for dirt etc.
If you really feel the need, Hard chrome plating (with hydrogen de-embrittlement) or you may find a local plater who offers electroless nickel with PTFE co-deposited.
Most people settle for a little oil or you could try spray on PTFE grease, usually stocked by auto stores.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
April 29, 2008