http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkerizing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_(steel)

Hey Kev,
Thanks for the links - that Wikipedia site looks nifty - I bet people from all over the world will end up hearing about it!

Now, does anyone have experience with one over the other? Is the appearance distinguishable side-by-side? It would seem that Parkerizing is more durable -has that been anyone's experience? And finally, if the same model of handgun were offered in blue or parkerized with a $20 price differential for parkerizing, is it worth it?

Data appreciated, but opinions and personal experience desired.

Parkerizing resists rust and abrasion better, but looks ugly.
Bluing rusts pretty easily, but a good blue job is utterly gorgeous.

I am with Steve on this. I have carried blued pistols most all my life and other than a little holster wear they have always looked good. Take care of your blued pistols and they will look good and take care of you.

+2 on the Blue

I've seen some that just look too goof to shoot..then I slap myself and get some ammo

I've done a little Parkerizing bu It really want to get the stuff to blue. It just looks better.

+1 for parkerized. Compared to blue, it makes more tactical sense. Non reflective and better protection from the elements. Usually greenish or greyish finish. I prefer shotguns with parkerized finish as opposed to any other finish. Only other firearms I've had with parkerized finishes were 1911 pistols.

No question the park'd finish is more protective. i just love the blued guns..Old fashioned I guess

Originally Posted by Baldy

I am with Steve on this. I have carried blued pistols most all my life and other than a little holster wear they have always looked good. Take care of your blued pistols and they will look good and take care of you.

To me, if the blue is a little holster-worn, it adds character and interest to the gun...and maybe beauty, too.

Originally Posted by Steve M1911A1

To me, if the blue is a little holster-worn, it adds character and interest to the gun...and maybe beauty, too.

That's the same way I feel Steve. These young'ins of today have to have it Tac-ti-cool or something like that. If you want a desert sand or forest green pistol with Tiger stripping, I guess you can get the paint at Wal-Mart.

I have hunted in all weather conditions with blued guns and never had any problems with rust. It's all in how you take care of your rifle.

Originally Posted by Baldy

4Tac-ti-cool

Tac-ti-cool

~laughs~ Definatly two big glocks up for that one. A new word for the week!