The Rohrbaugh Forum

Rohrbaugh Products and Accessories => Rohrbaugh R9 (all variations) => Topic started by: Alphonso on March 20, 2010, 08:55:31 AM

Title: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Alphonso on March 20, 2010, 08:55:31 AM
My R9s frame's finish is getting pretty worn from daily carry.  I've been thinking about removing the black finish.

Has anybody done this?  Does anybody have advice and/or pictures?  

Thanks...
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: yankee2500 on March 20, 2010, 10:23:24 AM
What do you plan on putting on after you remove the factory finish?

John
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Richard S on March 20, 2010, 10:29:58 AM
If it were mine and needed refinishing, I'd just send it to  AP&W, Robar, or Ford's for the finish of my choice.

http://www.apwcogan.com/

http://www.robarguns.com/

http://www.fordsguns.com/

Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Alphonso on March 20, 2010, 06:08:20 PM
Quote
What do you plan on putting on after you remove the factory finish?

John

I was thinking about just leaving the frame unfinished after running it through my bead blaster...
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: tracker on March 20, 2010, 07:44:43 PM

I don't know for certain but that doesn't sound like a good idea to me. The finish is there not only for appearance but for surface protection also.
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Alphonso on March 20, 2010, 09:49:52 PM
Quote
I don't know for certain but that doesn't sound like a good idea to me. The finish is there not only for appearance but for surface protection also.

I was wondering about the same thing.  It is, after all, just aluminum and may not really need any protection...
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: ccoorreeyy on March 20, 2010, 09:55:58 PM
Bead blasted aluminum coated with a good oil should be fine.  I'd would rub it down once a week or so.  If you do blast it please post some pictures of how it turns out.  I've thought of it before and think it would look very nice.
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: tracker on March 20, 2010, 10:32:50 PM

It may be all right but if that thin layer of aluminum hydroxide is compromised corrosion can develop. I saw that happen in a humid, salt water environment on an aircraft carrier where white powder is visible on aluminum; best to keep an eye on it.
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Alphonso on March 20, 2010, 11:59:59 PM
Quote
Bead blasted aluminum coated with a good oil should be fine.  I'd would rub it down once a week or so.  If you do blast it please post some pictures of how it turns out.  I've thought of it before and think it would look very nice.

Summers are hot here and I generally wipe it down with a silicone cloth at the end of every hot day.  

If I work up the nerve to take the bead blaster to my zillion dollar pistol I certainly will post some pictures.   If it doesn't come out good, I can always get it coated professionally...
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: yankee2500 on March 21, 2010, 02:01:11 AM
I sandblasted the receiver and trigger group on my Ruger 10/22 so it would match the stainless barrel I put on, but thats a $200 gun.   ;D
 It came out looking good and I also blasted the SS barrel so it has the same finish.

John

Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: kjtrains on March 21, 2010, 08:24:24 AM
Alphonso.  Sounds like a plan.  Interesting.  After the bead blasting, spray it with Ballistol once a week and you should be good to go.  
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Craigt on March 21, 2010, 10:14:28 AM
Bare aluminum will corrode quite quickly, forming that white powder mentioned previously.  That powder, aluminum oxide, is very hard and abrasive.  If even small amounts of that gets on the moving parts it could cause accelerated wear.

Another concern is surface corrosion can greatly lower the fatigue strength of the metal.  My guess is that this light, small frame is operating at relatively high stress levels so this could be a concern.

I believe that you will find a bead blast finish on aluminum will show scratches and wear rather quickly as compared to bead blasted stainless steel.

Having said that, I love bead blast finishes.

Just my $.02.
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Alphonso on March 21, 2010, 11:46:56 AM
After reading all these helpful answers and pondering a bit I've decided that the scrapes and scars on my R9s give it "character" and that I will just leave it alone.  

I've refinished several guns in the past with varying degrees of success and don't think I should subject this fine pistol to my shade tree finishing skills.. :)
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: tracker on March 21, 2010, 12:00:36 PM

A wise decision, I think.
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: kjtrains on March 21, 2010, 12:08:08 PM
Alphonso.  You have certainly thought this through, and have saved yourself some unnecessary work.  Enjoy it's "character."
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Reinz on March 21, 2010, 01:02:05 PM
Quote
My R9s frame's finish is getting pretty worn from daily carry.  I've been thinking about removing the black finish.

Has anybody done this?  Does anybody have advice and/or pictures?  

Thanks...


If you decide to replace it with black, the Rogaurd finish by Robar just can't be beat.  But keep in mind that they have two black finshes that they are not clear about.

The shiney one is the one they always show, and to to me, seeing it in person, looks cheap, like a toy,

The Matte finish is much better looking in my opinion, it looks professional and looks like you mean business.

Of course you can't go wrong with NP3 (gray) either.

Happy Shopping


Reinz
Title: Re: Removing Frame Finish
Post by: Tennessee Tom on March 30, 2010, 09:04:34 PM
Quote
After reading all these helpful answers and pondering a bit I've decided that the scrapes and scars on my R9s give it "character" and that I will just leave it alone.  

I've refinished several guns in the past with varying degrees of success and don't think I should subject this fine pistol to my shade tree finishing skills.. :)


I was going to suggest you call and talk to Karl at the factory but you have come to the right idea IMHO.........Tom