Is Parkerizing better or Bluing better?

Question

I am considering refinish the coating and metal work for my gun, but don't know which kind of treatment is more durable. I am trying to find some local gun shops that do the refinishing and coatings. Which kind of finish is better? Bluing or Parkerizing? How about the price difference?
And, is all the coating the same? I don't want the paint to flake or wear off easily.

Answer 1

Parkerizing is better, it holds a greater amount of oil, preventing rust or corrosion.

Most shops charge less for parkerizing, because it is easier to do.

Bluing requires lots of fine polishing and buffing, and the process to blue is very caustic. The salts tank runs about 300 degrees, and requires a large area for the setup.

Parkerizing requires bead blasting and degreasing, then the parts are placed into a tank. After a minute or two, you pull it out. The solution is heated to 185 degrees, and is a quicker operation than bluing. It requires less room for a setup.

Answer 2

Both are durable and definitely not paint based. Bluing is controlled rusting while parkerization is controlled corrosion. Parkerizing offers somewhat better rust protection than bluing. Both can be done at home, although for the DIY'er bluign is going to be cheaper and easier. For farming it out to a professional, I would expect parkerizing to cost more as that it is more labor intensive.
Bluing will still leave you with a gloss like shine to the metal surfaces. Parkerizing will leave the surface a flat black or gray color. Either are good, I would prefer parkerizing, but I generally settle for bluing as that I do it myself very cheaply.

Answer 3

What Is Parkerizing

Answer 4

Parkerizing is more durable than bluing.

Answer 5

Parkerizing is more durable and protects better two. Blueing is more pleasing to the eye, but rusts easier.