NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

[remau308]

Ok, so here's a question I haven't encountered yet. I was messing with my buddies LMT MWS, and his bolt was coated in NP3. To say the least, his bolt was by far the smoothest bolt I have ever felt in an AR platform. That got me thinking if it works so well in AR's, why haven't I seen in applied to a precision rifle bolt shroud? My rifle has a r700 action, and while the bolt isn't terrible, it isn't the smoothest bolt I've ever felt, so I was wondering if getting it coated in NP3 would make it smoother? Are there any problems that could arise from this? This is by no means anything that is needed, but it seems like I would really like it to be smoother, and I have racked the bolt thousands of times while watching television to try and smooth it out. It is already coated in cerakote, and while that helped a little, it wasn't a huge difference.

Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

I have seen several members here that use it. I think most don't use it because there are better alternatives for less money and less down time. I have heard NP3 has a significant wait list.

It's also only available in that shiny grey color. I personally like it, I have a couple AR bolts done and they are very slick.

I would probably just Ionbond it, will retain oil better and will last longer then the barrel will

 

[excess]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

I have had about a half dozen things NP3 (or NP3 Plus) coated. I've never had a long wait. They have always quoted a longer wait than I've experienced.

For what it's worth, since sometime in 2010 every bolt that leaves Terry Cross' shop gets coated with NP3. He has the bolt body, the bolt shroud, and the firing pin done. Check out the "what's new" page on his site. I personally think Terry is one of the best smiths out there. If its good for him, it's good for me. My current bolt action build is going to get the exact same treatment.

 

[excess]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

As another idea - Robar has a new coating called PolyT2. I'm guessing if you had the barreled action done with that (to get the color of your choice) and the bolt NP3, you'd have a great system from durability and lubricious standpoints.

 

[mdesign]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have had about a half dozen things NP3 (or NP3 Plus) coated. I've never had a long wait. They have always quoted a longer wait than I've experienced...... </div></div>

I'll 2nd this...have it on all my bolts and it wears very well and is smooth. Some of my bolts have 1000's of cycles on them and the only part of the coating that is shiny is the contact points. The rest of the finish is a matte gray/silver.

There may be other coatings out there that work as well, don't know, I stopped looking after I started using NP3.

 

[bengates]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

Bighorn coats their bolts with NP3. Pretty slick.

I just sent my DTA bolt to be coated.

 

[squin]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

I had not seen an NP3 coating before I received my Bighorn action. Very slick coating and great looking as well.

 

[squin]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

I had not seen an NP3 coating before I received my Bighorn action. Very slick coating and great looking as well.

 

[remau308]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

Thanks for all the replies so far guys! I didn't realize so many people had their bolt actions coated in NP3. I have heard that Bighorn coated their bolts before, an I guess I just forgot about it. I will definitely look into it. The only thing I don't love about the coating is the grey color, but I think it might give a different look...so I might like it. I will update this if I end up getting it coated.

 

[sinister]

Re: NP3 Plus Bolt Coating???

NP3 is an ideal coating to slick up moving parts and prevent corrosion. I've seen it used mostly on AR-style bolts and carriers to provide a little slicker operation in weapons that will be shot dirty, and on magazines to help ensure better feed and function.

I've also seen where some thought, "A little is good, a lot must be better," where the entire weapon was coated (pistols, shotguns, MP-5s, M16s). NP3 is a teflon-nickel aggregate, so while it helped prevent exterior corrosion and holster wear it made the weapon difficult to hold and manipulate -- they were just TOO slippery.

Designed specifically to coat steel parts used on North Sea oil rigs, NP3 works.