I was ready to package up a rifle and send off to Birdsong for his black metal treatment when I decided to do a search and read some more.
Seems Birdsong applies a baked on finish that some claim is easy to scratch.
I need durability as much as anything so which finish is the toughest, NP3, roguard, or Birdsongs?

I don't know anything about the Birdsong finish, but the NP3 is one of the most durable available; the Rogard is a close second. Lou

Roguard is applied on the exterior, the NP3 on the internals. It is a very durable finish. I have done a few with both but the "Black-T" that Walter does, does scratch. It is no more durable than blueing as far as wear goes,but it is completely weatherproof. I had a client who dumped his in the salt water on a bear hunt. When he got back he asked me to take it apart and check for rust. The only thing that had any corrosion were the sling swivel studs; they had not been done.

You will not find a more professional job than Walter does. I am not as careful as I need to be, but my Black-T is great. I can't speak for the other.
Butch

Jim,
Did Kim send the FFL?
Butch

Not yet!

And by the way, I did not mean to put down Walters "Black-T", he does a wonderful job and well worth the miniscule price he charges.

quote:

Roguard is applied on the exterior, the NP3 on the internals.

NP3 is not just for the internals. I had Robar coat my barreled action and internals with NP3. NP3 is tougher, but Roguard is for those who absolutely must have black.