There is no need to introduce Wilson Combat to anyone, they are quite well known in the industry. However, in their Summer 1998 Catalog, Wilson Combat announced a new finishing service, called Armor-tuff.

Armor-tuff is a thermally cured finish which, according to Wilson, is the hardest, most durable and most chemical and heat resistant of all the finishes of this type. It is applied at a relatively low temperature (300 degrees F), which prevents any possible damage to parts it is applied on.

Appearance : Armor-tuff has a satin/matte surface finish that looks very similar to an ultra-fine sandblast blue job. It is available in matte black, matte silver and mate OD green. Of course a combination of the above colors, can be requested.

Corrosion Resistance : When Armor-tuff is applied to plain gun steel, it will pass the test procedures for slat water spray at 1000 hours, salt water immersion at a minimum of 1000 hours, accelerated salt spray test equivalent to 30 years of marine atmosphere exposure and 60 days sea water immersion.

Abrasion Resistance : Armor-tuff is a phenolic resin, that when thermally cured produces a very durable surface finish. Wear life is similar to military parkerized finish, while abrasion resistance exceeds common blueing and teflon based products.

Lubricity : Armor-tuff contains molybdenum disulfide, which provides excellent anti-friction characteristics. However, a synthetic lubricant should still be used.

Fluid Resistance : Armor-tuff coated gun steel will meet 24 immersion in the following fluids : aviation gasoline, hydraulic fluid, jet fuel, lubricating oils, paint removers, trichloroethylene, nitric, sulphuric and hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, gun powder solvents, common gun lubricants, strong bases etc.

Thermal Stability Thickness : Nominal coating thickness is between 0.0003" and 0.0009", actually less than one thousandth of an inch. Thicker coatings can be requested.

This sounds a very attractive finish.