I am having a 375 built. The barrel is Stainless steel. I can have it finished with a teflon coating which is dark. I think I will forget the teflon and have it finished in a satin bead blasted look.

How do you all finish your rifles and why?

Regards, PG

Robar's NP-3 finish is the best there is for stainless. It's dull, it's basically rust-proof, it's so slick you almost don't need bolt lube, it doesn't wear off.

Bead blasted stainless would be an awesome look...

Bill is right, Robar's NP-3 is the absolute best finish available for stainless steel. My old .300 Win. Mag. has a receiver finished in NP-3, and it has stood up to everything, from Alaska to Africa. I've had electroless nickle and hard-chrome chip and flake, Teflon peel, etc. None have worked as well as NP-3.......

All of my current hunting rifles, though, feature blued metalwork and painted fiberglass stocks.......

AD

Stainless is not totally rustproof, but close enough that most folks don't bother with any exterior finish to "protect" it, just a little discreet use of oil. Since NP3 is also a silver color, I personally wouldn't bother with it. If you want a dark color, Robar makes Rogard which is black (or any other color you want) but not as durable as NP3.

Or, some folks who want a black gun just use semigloss enamel on the barrel

Not quite the same, but I have an 870 Express that a friend spray painted with semi-gloss or flat black Rustoleum then dobbed green Rustoleum for a "camo" effect. It has lasted for years with only a few places needing testing. Its not going to win any beauty contests but it is effective and durable.

You might also consider bluing it, try contacting John Noveske as he offers that service. He posts here as jnrifleworks

I use flat black engine paint-it holds up under high temperatures better than any other kind of paint.

I may try that on a 20 ga. 870 Express that needs the treatment. Thanks. It might also hold up to oil a little better also.