Refinish this pistol or replace it?

I took a FN Hi Power to Alex Hamilton of Ten-Ring Precision (http://tenring.com/) and had him refinish it in black Gun Kote (http://tenring.com/trcoating.html). He did it for $135, or as you can see at the link, you can buy the stuff and do it yourself.

I had it done in November or December of 2006, have carried the pistol daily since then (and sweated like crazy while doing so), and have easily accomplished several hundred draws and reholsterings, as well as several hundred rounds. There is a bit of wear on a couple corners near the muzzle, on the highest point of the slide lock lever, and (oddly) on the right forward side of the trigger guard. No rust has occurred anywhere.

I am happy with it. I can't say it is better or worse than the others since this is the only pistol I have had refinished, but I think it is a decent finish.

If I had your Firestar and really liked it, found it reliable and all that, I would refinish it. In fact, I would prefer refinishing in black (or another subdued color) versus getting a nickeled or stainless finish.

Good luck.

elb

If it's not deeply pitted you may get by with cleaning it up and keeping it wiped down.

I use Marine Tuf-Cloths on blued guns used under harsh conditions and they work.

Here's a past thread with some suggestions I made for cleaning up light rust:

http://handgunsandammo.proboards36.com/index.cgi?board=smithing&action=display&thread=1171846082

Regards,

Pat