This is slightly off topic in terms of posting this discussion in Euro hunting but just got back from James Clark at Jaeger Sporting. He has the UK outlet for Dura Cote which is the best after market coating product for firearms I have come across. I had my Jet Z coated and the finish is superb.

Just to give you an idea of the durability, he had a wood stock off a Ruger which was coated in the product and asked me to try and scratch it off with a coin. I couldn't. It seems it is not your typical run of the mill cosmetic "looks great" finish but a completely durable revolutionary product.

Anyway thought I would post this as I am really pleased with the finish and I have been looking for something of this ilk for a while. I am about to send him my Leupold scope rings and bases as they are the only component part of my rifle these days that rusts if left.

Again apologies for posting this on the Euro forum but thought it may help some of my AR comrades who may have been looking for something as durable as this.

Hey jon,

Getting mounts and bases done is a good idea. I was asking about stainless mounts last week but told that the selection isn't really available so this looks like a good alternative.

Thanks for posting,
FB

Jon

here's one that was done a few months ago,

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5421043/m/935100707


I can vouch for the durability and toughness of this product.

FB

Glad you found it of use. I am sending some mounts to be done this week which will also restore them to as new condition again as they are a bit worn etc.

Andy

I remember your thread now but didn't realsie it was Dura Cote which you opted for. Looks really good.

Jon,

What is the quality of the finish - could it compare to bluing?

Does he do little things like bolt shrouds, cocking pieces etc, how about a stripped scope tube?

Adam

Hi Adam

I was offered a couple of options. I could have my Jet Z with or without a stippled finish. I opted for a stippled finish. Basically the colour is identical (to my eye anyway) to the original finish on my Jet Z. I could have opted for un-stippled and it then I believe would be as close as you could get to bluing.

James can do any component part of bolts,scopes etc as long as it does not compromise the internal workings. To give you an idea he was coating a Nightforce scope and the attention to detail was impressive. Each increment on the turret was measured with a micrometer and then masked (not sure how this is actually done but the end result was excellent) and then coated. This then left the MOA wording and incremental calibrations as originally marked on each turret.

Just one last thing. When you compare it to bluing it is far more durable as in you will not find the finish deteriorating with friction or rubbing against rifle slips etc.

James is very knowledgable and if you are in any doubt he is also very helpful over the phone etc www.jagersportingarms.co.uk

Adam

Just re-read your post and I think I misinterpreted it first time round. In terms of comparing it to bluing do you mean the depth of finish/colour? In this respect it is difficult to say as it is a plastic based coating. It is however finished with "clear cote" which does give it a superb quality aesthetic appearance which is why I was so impressed with my moderator.

Hope that answers your question.

Regards

Jon

Jon,

Pretty much. At some point I might moderate a blued rifle. I want to use the ASE compact (hate the new stainless A5) but want it to match a blued finish not be the parkerised finish that it is. Do you reckon it would be pretty similar to the blued barrel?

Adam

I forget the number of colours James has but it is extensive. I am sure he will have a kind of deep blue/black colour which would match.

His mobile number is 07968 025033 and is very helpful if you want more details.

Thanlks

Jon

Just spoken with James and he has a colour called "gun blue" with satin or gloss finish which I am told looks exactly like bluing which sounds exactly what you are after.

Thanks

Jon

Jon,

Many thanks - this sort of thing shows the internet at it's best.

If he is using Dura-Coat "Gun Blue" I would highly recommend adding a touch of black to it to darken it. It looks exactly like a satin blued finish on paper, but turns out to be quite blue once you're finished applying it. I coated a beat up SMLE with this product in this color last year and was not pleased with the resulting color.

One other thing look out for with Dura-coat is make sure you apply it over parkerized or sand blasted metal. The coating needs something to hang onto the steel with. I did neither to the SMLE I coated last year and consequently have several little spots where the finish has rubbed off already.

Otherwise, this finish is virtually indestructible and I am quite pleased with it. It needs very little maintenance and holds up well if applied properly.