I’m wanting to get my Star BM refinished and my first thought was Cerakote, but is it the best finish? I think it may be the most practical for everyday use and maybe the most cost effective. At $220, it’s very close to my cost of the gun, but that’s my choice.

It's paint and not worth the prices some charge. I like phosphate better.

Is it worth refinishing most likely not.

Just use it as is and do not worry about it.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
It's paint and not worth the prices some charge. I like phosphate better.

This right here, all day long.

If you must spray coat it, KG Gunkote is far more user friendly and just about as tough.

I’ve been pondering on putting that much money in refinishing and since it’s almost as much as I paid for the gun, I’m having serious doubts. After all, it just going to be a knock about truck gun. Time will tell what I’m going to do.

quote:

Originally posted by Uncle Grinch:
I’ve been pondering on putting that much money in refinishing and since it’s almost as much as I paid for the gun, I’m having serious doubts. After all, it just going to be a knock about truck gun. Time will tell what I’m going to do.

I use a coat of Renaissance Wax for similar applications, works great, just touch it up now and then. Just think of all the money you'll save to spend on something else.

I cleaned up the Star and removed the magazine disconnect safety. Also replaced the black plastic grips with some checkered cocobolo from Century Arms. I really like these grips. They really make this old pistol shine. Kinda remind me of my old S&W M39 from years ago.

Rustblue it and then clearcoat it with two thin coats of an automotive grade spray lacquer. Great for a truck gun that may get condensation. As the clearcoat wears simply recoat the worn areas. Looks like blue instead of paint.

Bob
www.rustblue.com

Nice, I like the patina, sorta like a "rat rod" look.

Patina or well worn or well carried… action is tight with very little internal wear.

Now that I see it; I say, do nothing but keep it oiled.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Now that I see it; I say, do nothing but keep it oiled.

For sure carry as is and do not worry about it.

I have a beat up Glock 23 one of the first ones

Slide finish mostly worn lots of nicks and marks on the frame.

It is a great everyday carry gun as one does not have to worry about it.

As every day carry guns do get beat up.

I like it as is, I suppose in GA you should lightly oil it now and then..A good reblue would be nice if polished out properly keeping edges sharp and screw holes flat and not wallowed out, use on hones to polish for best results..Its a good hide a way gun and with todays modern 32 and 380 bullets it will get the job done pretty well..

here in humid Florida, there's very little that won't rust, especially 30 miles from the coast. Heck, my stainless guns rust... The only thing that's carried on my boat that doesn't rust is a Glock... Having a couple rifles nitrided at HM. Will report back when they've been tested.

For ever day carry in hot humid climates, a standard nickel finish and expensive chrome is the best by far.

I like certain parts bead blasted the flats bright..Pistols only..Rust is a real problem so use lots of tender loving care..An honest patina is beautiful IMO, but wipe down daily and wipe with silcone cloth every evening worked for me in South Texas and Mexico...I liked the star pistol in 380 ACP with todays hollow points..The BM as I recall is the shorty model..I like any thing that resembles a 1911 and it does! as I recall...Id just leave it as is and take care of it..

Best finish?

Hard Chrome, DLC coating, titanium nitride etc. Those modern high-tech coatings.

Here is CrN (hard chrome) on small parts and TiAlN (titanium aluminum nitride) on the main parts on my pistol.

Check out CCRrefinishing.com. They parkerize steel first, then ceracoat it. Their house black is nearly identical to rust bluing.