I've been wondering recently just how much of a priority should it be, when you're setting up a bolt rifle for precision shooting--whether comps or tactical or just range--to have an aftermarket coating applied? I'm talking about the various corrosion protection packages like Roguard, Cerakote, Duracoat, Teflon, etc.
Obviously they're NICE to have if money is no object. But money almost always IS an object, and I'm curious how much of a priority this item should be.
Recently I was talking to the guy who did some custom work on my rifle, and asked him if I should put on a coating. He had kind of a different perspective than you hear from some rifle customizers, who will basically sell you anything to add a few more bucks to the order.
He said: "Sure, I can Cerakote it for you and I'll make a little more money, but no I don't think it's necessary. Just take care of your rifle, apply a good rust-proofing solution regularly and keep it in a treated bag, dry safe, or both."
He went on to point out that all the guys who settled this country and carried rifles--guys like Lewis and Clark, the pioneers, guys who went into Alaska, etc.--were carrying old blued rifles in the worst of conditions and didn't have any of the modern rust-proofing products we do, yet they still managed to keep their rifles clean and functional. So bottom line: his perspective is, modern coatings are nice, but totally unnecessary if you take care of your rifle.
I'd like to hear anybody else's thoughts on the importance of finishes.
Bookmarks