I'm having a custom rifle built using a stainless MRC Action and barrel. I've used this combination several times in the past and always had the action and barrel duracoated.

Unlike my other rifles, which were built using synthetic or laminated stocks, I had a very nice piece of walnut put on this one. I was initially just going to have the stainless bead blasted, but now am thinking that I might want something done that looks more traditional.

Are there any finishes for stainless steel that are durable and look close to traditional bluing?

Pete

Robar offers several both their Roguard and blackening of the stainless steel:

http://www.robarguns.com/precision_coatings.htm

These guys claim to be able to blue stainless.

http://gunblue.homestead.com/Stainless.html

I haven't tried them yet but you might call and talk to them.

Friends-

In addition, there is a process called "QPQ" unless I am having a senior moment.

I believe it comes out in a black matte finish. Sounds interesting; I'm sure others could elaborate.

duracoat, or other spray on .. baked on finishes. QPQ (quench polish quench) is a bit spendy!, but tough

This is a QPQ BR barrel. I polished the barrel on this one. It has fingerprints all over it. HEF is doing it now at a very reasonable price. It is a low temp salt nitrided. That barrel shot great for 5000 rounds. I usually take them off after 800-1000 rounds. I sent the barrel to a gunsmithing school and they said it got lost.

http://www.hefusa.net/ They are doing barrels for $87 and bolts for $22 and they have a $200 minimum. You need to call for info on the rest of your rifle.
Butch

HVOF makes the ones spoken of here seem like candy coatings.

Find a smith that has the chemicals to black oxide stainless. It's not as uncommon as you think.

Have it vapor-blasted. You'll get that shimmery gray color that you find on Ruger guns. It's micro-balloons in oil, blasted over the steel. Looks very good...

Thanks for the info!

I have no experience with this guy but he may be an option.

Terry

Stainless bluer