Stealth Finish

[morte]

I've taken my new Stealth to the range twice now.  I've noticed that the finish on the slide is starting to come off.  [Behind the ejection port and right above the extractor]
The black finish is noticeably "fading" and a brass-like color is showing through.

Is this normal for the Stealth finish?  Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

[morte]

I've only used Kleen-Bore formula 3 Gun Conditioner a couple of times and once used EEZOX.  I really wasn't applying these products to the outside of the slide (only the barrel, inside slide, etc.)

I wonder if it was caused by excess temperature during shooting, or weak bonding of the stealth finish at that part of the gun, or something else.  It's only a cosmetic concern.  Just want to know if has happened to someone else.

[pistolnut]

Morte,

I have noticed the same with my stealth, the same areas
that you have mentioned.  I do not use strong chemicals
to clean my guns.  what does this occurance of the finish
means?  I've only shot mine twice also. (100 rounds total) :-/

[riffraff]

Just some info. for those who might know.  Last I heard, Smith and Wesson was doing the slide finishes on the Stealth.

Mike

[jarcher]

Just some info. for those who might know.  Last I heard, Smith and Wesson was doing the slide finishes on the Stealth.

The R team told me this as well, at the last SHOT show in Orlando.  I am not very familliar with S&W pistols, having never owned one, but its supposed to be the same finish they use on their own pistols.
  

[45ACP2GO]

I have noticed the same wear of the finish in the inside of the slide at around 250 rounds.  The wear just shows a bright stainles finish where it has worn. Functions without any malfunctions and the exterior is perfect with daily pocket carry.

I use the Horndy One Shot cleaner dry lube on mine which by the way was recommended by Karl.

[45ACP2GO]

I will try and get one posted tonight. Just got home from work and have some obligations, after that might be able to.

[45ACP2GO]

WS6,

I have 3 pics I took didn't have a chance to use my tripod but didn't come out bad for hand holding on a macro setting.

IMG]http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/45acp2go/R9S-2.jpg[/IMG]



I will post a little better quality when I have a chance. The finish is worn off slightly, every thing is smooth typical to any other type of break in. Approx 250 rounds through my R9S. This posting is only taking 2 pics, I will follow with one more.

[45ACP2GO]

One more pic of R9S Stealth wear marks.

[45ACP2GO]

Still didn't get the 3rd one I wanted. Here it is again.

[jarcher]

Excellent pictures. I have the same type of wear on mine also. Not as much but in the same places. I have around 250 rds. thru mine. I read on earlier posting that this is normal wear. I make sure I get the grease in all those areas to help cut down on the heat friction. WS6

Yup, whats nice about this is that the R9 tells you exactly where to lube it.

[Richard S]

Jarcher, you aren't kidding the R9S heats up like an oven. * * * ( I couldn't imagine letting it run dry on lube, I think it would weld itself together.

Those are important matters to bear in mind.  As the smallest and lightest 9mm semi-automatic handgun yet produced, the R9 necessarily has minimal tolerances. During range sessions, it is best to give the pistol time to cool down between strings of fire and to keep it clean and lubricated. For me, that translates into allowing the pistol to cool after running two magazines of ammunition through it and giving it a thorough clean/lube after 50 or 60 rounds.

As a friend of mine noted, "This thing sure ain't your granddaddy's 1911!"  

[theirishguard]

there you go.   Tom

[jarcher]

Richard S, you are on the money as always. I think most people want to take the R9S out and shoot the crap out of it.
Like it is a target pistol, when it's not. It's a self-defense weapon. Tom-theirishguard stated earlier, it's to get you out of a tight spot in a hurry.

Well there is some merit to this.  People need to get some practice with their carry gun and gain confidence that it is going to work when it is needed.  I would not take it out and shoot it every weekend for a few hundred rounds like other pistols I own, mostly because it's not really fun.  But shooting a few mags every other week is a good idea.  

[jarcher]

Jarcher, I try to shoot it every 2-3 wks. Last time out, first time ever. My trigger locked up on me. Grip screws came loose on me. I took it off and everything fail apart. I always clean my weapon with each shooting. I always tighten down the grip screws at that time. Haven't a clue how the recoil, loosened them that fast. 36rds. Got everything back together and under control. Another learning experience. WS6

Perfect example.  I think there are a few threads about using loctight on the grip screws, but I don't recall if it was recomended, or not recomended.  Some searching will probably find it, or I'm sure someone will chime in.