Robar/np3 finish experience

[King Bee]

I just got my wife her first gun, a Springfield xd service. It will mainly be used as a range gun and for plinking. I have read some reviews and info on the roguard/np3 finish and was hoping to see if any of you have solid experience with it. I am hoping for a relatively hard finish that is very easy to clean. Is this finish worth it or are here other finishes that beat it out? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[9mmepiphany]

I would recommend CCR as offering better customer service and their version of electroless nickle without paying for the Name

 

[WC145]

I had Robar do some work on a revolver for me using NP3, I've been very happy with it, it is everything they say.
That being said, I wouldn't waste the money on a gun that will spend it's life on the range and plinking. The XD already has a relatively hard finish that is easy to clean, I don't think you'd gain enough to justify the expense of having Robar refinish it any of it.

 

[AZ_Rebel]

I would recommend CCR as offering better customer service and their version of electroless nickle without paying for the Name

Robar guarantees their NP3 and Roguard finishes for life against chipping, peeling and corrosion... and have been doing so for 20+ years... pretty hard to beat that Name to save a few bucks. (Yeah, I am supporting ARIZONA businesses.)

 

[9mmepiphany]

So does CCR. I'm just offering an alternative to the OP, I'm basing it on a couple of pistolsmiths who have had issues sending customers guns there for work

 

[lookshigh123]

What kind of issues they had?

 

[9mmepiphany]

My understanding is surface prep and uneven finish quality...guns had to be sent back to be done again.

It is a bigger issue with a business who is working on a customer's gun, because it lengthens turnaround time.

I'm not saying they don't stand behind their work, what they did for me was fine, I'm saying there are other alternatives. It is like over on the Cult of the P7, they prefer hard chrome over there and the two leading providers were Fords and Tripp. It wasn't really a competition, the work was equally as well done, folks just had different preferences.

 

[King Bee]

I had Robar do some work on a revolver for me using NP3, I've been very happy with it, it is everything they say.
That being said, I wouldn't waste the money on a gun that will spend it's life on the range and plinking. The XD already has a relatively hard finish that is easy to clean, I don't think you'd gain enough to justify the expense of having Robar refinish it any of it.

Though it will mostly be used at the range and plinking, I would love to have a finish that is easy to clean. Any improvement would be beneficial, and the wife being newer to cleaning weapons is willing to pay to make it easier. I suppose I will wait and see how the xd cleans up before looking into the finish more. Thank you all so far for your help!

 

[DirtyHarry31]

Just had my P7 PSP done by Robar. It turn out beautiful. The finish isn't shiny chrome but more like a Titanium satin look. Wait for the fund to put a set of wood grips on. I took Robar up on their 20% discount on finishes. I had the whole gun done with the NP3+ finish because I am making this a carry gun. Didn't want to have to worry about rust or lubing. Almost all my other pistols are stainless even my XDM in 9mm. The XD/XDm in stainless is soooo easy to take care of. It's easy to break down & put back together. The stainless helps alot with keeping the rust issue to a minimal for us lazier people who do not clean a gun everytime we shoot. As far as price for NP3+ finish, well with the 20% off it put the cost the same as the others but I had the whole pistol done (external & internals, less springs & barrel). I did not see in the others price list or read where they do the internals with their prices. Robar may have been expensive at first, but with this economy they wised up by offering the 20% off to gain business. Hopefully they will keep this sale going for others to take advantage of. But it is a beautiful finish.

 

[taxiflyr]

long wait

I have had long guns and hand guns done with NP3 including a BAR and the internals of a number of HK hand guns The work was great but it takes 6 or more weeks to get them back. The finish is great, easy to clean and you don't have to over oil them before putting them away or shooting them, very hard to scratch but could cost as much with shipping as a mid priced gun. If you have the the cash and will keep the gun I say (GO)

 

[1KPerDay]

I have a Robar'ed G30 and the finish is very durable. I don't know if it's any more durable than the stock Glock finish, but it's extremely hard (and quite slippery, which makes it easy to clean). My $0.02 FWIW

 

[ambidextrous1]

I had Robar apply NP3 to a pistol about 15 years ago, and the finish has been very durable and satisfactory in every way. Cleaning & maintenance are a snap!

As others have noted, the NP3 treatment will increase the amount of your investment in that firearm significantly - as much or more than any refinishing job. Be sure that the firearm you have treated will have a long-term emotional or functional role in your life.

 

[Ric]

They do great work. NP3 is very easy to clean and looks good. two years now and not a mark on it.
They do great stippling work too.