I have an R9 Covert that is an incredibly nice pistol. I do like the finish. The slight wear on the barrel does in no way diminish the pistol in my eyes...it just means it has been fired. I don't hang my pistol on the wall and look at it...it is carried and used. If ever needed for a significant "social" engagement, I do not think that the appearance of a little loss of black coating on the barrel will in any way affect the outcome. This is not a barbeque piece (I take my Ed Brown or some other "fancy" piece to those). IMHO each owner of a pistol needs to figure out what the goal of ownership is...function vs. beauty vs. bragging rights vs. cost and then buy on that basis. Any R9 that has been broken in and "vetted" will make a great carry piece no matter what the cost or color or wear from use. This is a good deal for a barely used Covert.
