Tripps Hardchrome vs. Robar Np3

[Pac757]

I know.. I looked around on the site, but I was looking for opinions from people that actually had their XD hardchromed by Tripps, I heard that the turn around time from Robar can be as long as 3 months, and Scott at Springer said he can send off the slide to Tripps when I send in my XD 9 to have him do some work on it. Also I believe that Tripps is less exspensive.

[Myk9noseknows]

I had my G32 hardchromed by Tripp several years ago. It cost me $75 and turn around was about 7-8 days.
It is ROCK SOLID and still looks like the day I received it. It holds up great, is sort of self lubricating, and looks awesome. They were also very professional and extremely friendly

[petey1]

I just sent my XD-9 off to Scott Springer to get the hardchrome (among other things). Scott is sending it to Tripp. He was VERY helpful with questions beforehand. As far as Robar is concerned, I've heard nothing but good things ,but no personal experience. I believe Scott deals with them (Robar) as well, but you'd have to ask. I'll post some pics of mine when it get's back

[XD.dwg]

There is no more durable finish than hardchrome and Tripp is about the best at it. The only downside is the look. Hardchrome has no soul, it's a very light/white like silver. Of course the look is subjective but I don't care for it.

I really like the deeper gray color of NP3, I've never had it so I can't say as to the durability. The other thing about NP3 is that it's very slick, like holding a greased banana peel or something.

[Delija]

Originally Posted by XD.dwg

There is no more durable finish than hardchrome

only downside is the look. Hardchrome has no soul, it's a very light/white like silver. Of course the look is subjective but I don't care for it.

.

Subjective is right. My buddy has a hard chromed Hi-Power that I think is beautiful. And it always gets a lot of compliments at the range.

I have a Kel Tec P32 with a hard chromed slide (and internals). To me it looks pretty much like a bead blasted stainless. I'd have preferred the look of a black on black P32, but I was talked into the HC by the sales guy (who I trust and from whom I've bought dozens of guns). He made his case for HC (and the .32 over the .380) and after two years (or whatever), I know he was right on both counts. The HC is indestructible and perfect for pocket carry here in South Florida where everything gets wet.

Don't know much about the Robar....from what I've heard, can't go wrong with that either (isn't it the stuff they coat submarines with?).

Peace,
D.

[LTC-USA]

I love my Tripp chrome. 10 days round trip.

[Rotty37]

Good info on comparison from Robar Industries web site:

"How does NP3 compare to Hard Chrome?

Hard Chrome is very hard, typically 70-74 Rockwell C scale. NP3 is 48-51 Rockwell C scale. However, Hard Chrome plates unevenly and typically builds on radiuses. Hard Chrome also has an adhesion of 12 to 15 thousand psi and little corrosion resistance. NP3 plates very evenly, is extremely corrosion resistant and has an adhesion of 30-60,000 psi! This is one of the reasons we can give it a LIFETIME guarantee against peeling and flaking."

Can't go wrong with either finish. Both finishes look very good. I prefer NP3 myself.

[enfurno]

I understand that both Hardchrome and np3 are a lighter silver shade. Is there anything comparable at all that comes in different shades? Or is it possible to shade either of these coats?

[bigun]

Had my Kimber Custom Target done by Tripp I absolutely love it. Over 3000 rounds since done and looks like I just got it back from Tripp. I carry this pistol in a inside the pants holster where it is exposed to my sweat wihch removes blueing in short order with no signes of corrosion or wear. wonderfull tough finish and I dont agree with the no soul comment it looks much better than the matte black it originally wore.

[Rustynuts]

I realize some like the looks of these better, but why just not go stainless and forget about the finish wearing off?