Volkmann Combatant Carry - Robar NP3 Coatings

Combatant Carry Custom Coated with Robar's NP3 Coatings

About a month ago, Luke Volkmann asked me if I wanted to bring my Combatant Carry in for some refinishing work. Recently he started using Robar's NP3 coatings and Luke felt this coating would hold up to the hard use I was giving his pistol. Several classes and 1000's of rounds, the Rockcote was definitely showing some wear from the Serpa holsters, so I said, "why not". Well, the finished product is here and its nothign short of spectacular.

Pure silk.

Here is what Robar has to say about their NP3 coatings:

What is NP3?
NP3 is a surface treatment for steel and metal alloys that combines sub-micron particles of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), otherwise known as Teflon, with electroless nickel.

NP3 - THE PROCESS
The application of NP3 is auto-catalytic, that is, not requiring any form of electricity. This process is preferable to standard electrolytic plating as all active surfaces are evenly plated, which is not the case with any electrolytically deposited coating. With Robar's well-equipped laboratory, coating thickness can be maintained to within .0002" or two ten thousandths of one inch, guaranteeing consistent quality coatings. With the PTFE evenly distributed and locked into the nickel-phosphorus matrix, NP3 is a true composite. If wear occurs, fresh particles of PTFE are exposed to keep the opposing surfaces lubricated throughout the life of the coating.

NP3 - THE ADVANTAGES
# Very accurate and even coatings on all activated surfaces.
# No lubrication is needed on opposing surfaces.
# Cleaning is minimal, usually requiring only a soft cloth.
# Permits firing for longer periods of time between cleaning, as dirt and powder residue has no wet or oily surface to cling to.
# NP3 has a micro hardness of 48-51 Rockwell as plated (nickel matrix).
# NP3 is very corrosion resistant, a 1 mil (.001) coating exceeding a 240 hour salt spray test.
# NP3 has a high lubricity and low friction co-efficient; therefore, the life expectancy of a firearm will be greatly increased due to reduced friction wear.
# The coating is strippable with no effect on the base metal, allowing other coatings to be applied or a new coating of NP3 to be applied, if necessary.
# NP3 plated onto stainless steel guns will prevent galling, a problem common with stainless steel.
# NP3 is a satin gray, non-reflective color ideal for all firearms.
# NP3 can be plated to all internal parts giving a smoothness to the action not found with any other coating.
# In cases where the NP3 has been perforated, the corrosion shows no tendency to spread or migrate under the coating.
# NP3 is guaranteed against corrosion, peeling or flaking for the lifetime of the firearm.

The Before Look

Here is my Combatant Carry some time before all this wear and tear to show you the original look of the 1911.

Now just picture this beat up and worn from constantly being pulled out of that Serpa Holster, not to mention the several 1000 rounds I put through it without cleaning it.

Its back to brand again, and ready for round two.

From Volkmann Custom

The Combatant Carry is our version of the Combatant with an Ed Brown Bobtail™ mainspring housing installed to help conceal the pistol during concealed carry. With it's 4.25" barrel length, the Commander-sized gun has all the options of the Combatant with the addition of the rounded mainspring housing and backstrap.

Volkmann Custom
http://www.volkmanncustom.com/combatant-carry.php

Robar NP3
http://www.robarguns.com/np3.htm

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