How much better is NP3 than Melonite finish? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

BigRedXD40 · 04-02-2007, 03:29 AM

My gun is getting NP3 on all parts. But I was just curious how much better the NP3 finish than the Melonite?

**Alaskapopo** · 04-02-2007, 04:23 AM

Depends on what qualities you are looking for. NP3 is has a self lubercating quality because its slick. It is also very corrosion resistant due to its nickel base. But I am not sure how it stacks up against Melonite for abrasion resistance. Also do you prefer black or a dull gray. Both finishes are good just depends on whats more important too you.
Pat

Mercmar · 04-02-2007, 05:56 AM

Maybe some good information would be an appropriate response.

NP3 is a finish, not to be compared with Melonite, which is a metal treatment.

**Alaskapopo** · 04-02-2007, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercmar

Maybe some good information would be an appropriate response.

NP3 is a finish, not to be compared with Melonite, which is a metal treatment.

You are correct but splitting hairs. Both are designed to do the same thing protect the gun from exposure to the elements and to holster wear.
Pat

Mercmar · 04-02-2007, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

You are correct but splitting hairs. Both are designed to do the same thing protect the gun from exposure to the elements and to holster wear.
Pat

Hardly splitting hairs. Comparing an external metal finish to a metal case-hardening treatment is a non sequitur. The finish applied to a piece of steel that's been "Melonited" is relevant to holster wear; the treated steel under that finish is irrelevant to holster wear.

Mercmar · 04-02-2007, 07:46 AM

Woops.

**jnclement** · 04-02-2007, 07:54 AM

Better in what way? What are you trying to accomplish? Don't want your XD to show any wear, leave it in the box.

The Tengu · 04-02-2007, 08:02 AM

There really isn't a comparison between NP3 and melonite.

Think of NP3 as being on top of the steel of your gun. Think of melonite being inside of the steel of your gun. Melonite changes the metal of the gun, while NP3 sits on top and is bonded to the metal of the gun.

Melonite, Glock's tenifer, and SIG's Nitron are pretty much the same thing from the end user's perspective. NP3 is electroless nickel plating with teflon.

If I had to pick a finish for my slide, I would take a melonite/tenifer/Nitron slide and have it electroless nickel plated. That is actually the plan for my SIG P229, once I get $50 saved up.

**agalindo** · 04-02-2007, 09:37 AM

The melonite treatment does change the metal but it is a surface treatement the surface of the metal is changed it is not through and through. It is possible to remove the melonite treated metal.

Quote:

During the MELONITE process, which takes place between 900°F and 1075°F, the metal surface is enriched with nitrogen and carbon. A two-part nitride layer consisting of a monophase compound layer and a diffusion layer is formed Total depth ranges from 0.008-0.040", depending on the composition of the base material and treating time. Hardness in the compound layer ranges from approximately HV 700 on alloyed steels to about HV 1600 on high chromium steels.

monsterdawg725 · 04-02-2007, 09:45 AM

why would you consider removing metel from the slide would that not comprmise reliabilty among other things stringth of the slide?

04-02-2007, 03:29 AM	#1
BigRedXD40 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 18	How much better is NP3 than Melonite finish? My gun is getting NP3 on all parts. But I was just curious how much better the NP3 finish than the Melonite?

04-02-2007, 04:23 AM	#2
Alaskapopo XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 2,861	Depends on what qualities you are looking for. NP3 is has a self lubercating quality because its slick. It is also very corrosion resistant due to its nickel base. But I am not sure how it stacks up against Melonite for abrasion resistance. Also do you prefer black or a dull gray. Both finishes are good just depends on whats more important too you. Pat __________________ Colt M16/AR15,1911 & Glock Armorer. Certified Firearms Instructor & Urban Rifle Instructor. Completed SWAT Entry Team and SWAT Sniper courses. NRA Endowment Member IDPA Expert level shooter in CDP, ESP and SSP. USPSA A 56876 IDPA A27468

04-02-2007, 07:54 AM	#7
jnclement XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Texas Posts: 2,479	Better in what way? What are you trying to accomplish? Don't want your XD to show any wear, leave it in the box. __________________ Contrary to what sells magazines, not all of us are, or want to be SpecOps, SEAL, Recon, Delta, CQB, Ninja, firearm-knife-tactical-death-touch instructors.

04-02-2007, 08:02 AM	#8
The Tengu XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,771	There really isn't a comparison between NP3 and melonite. Think of NP3 as being on top of the steel of your gun. Think of melonite being inside of the steel of your gun. Melonite changes the metal of the gun, while NP3 sits on top and is bonded to the metal of the gun. Melonite, Glock's tenifer, and SIG's Nitron are pretty much the same thing from the end user's perspective. NP3 is electroless nickel plating with teflon. If I had to pick a finish for my slide, I would take a melonite/tenifer/Nitron slide and have it electroless nickel plated. That is actually the plan for my SIG P229, once I get $50 saved up. __________________ The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard. United States Code, Title 10, section 311, paragraph (a)

04-02-2007, 09:45 AM	#10
monsterdawg725 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: chattanooga area TN Posts: 699	why would you consider removing metel from the slide would that not comprmise reliabilty among other things stringth of the slide? __________________ well hell yes its dangerous if it wasnt i wouldnt have no need to carry it ! XD-9 sc bi-tone , ,Keltec p3aT,,Glock 19 9mm , Glock 23 40 s&w, Sig Mosquito 22 . surefire g2,Streamlite Thunder Ranch tl2 ,Streamlight Scorpion Glock tac light.

04-02-2007, 05:56 AM	#3
Mercmar XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,740	Maybe some good information would be an appropriate response. NP3 is a finish, not to be compared with Melonite, which is a metal treatment.

04-02-2007, 07:46 AM	#6
Mercmar XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,740	Woops.

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