26 Apr 01

I've just received a Remington 11-87 and an M1 Carbine from my good friend Robbie Barrkman at Robar in Phoenix. On both guns he applied NP3 to the internal parts and Roguard to the exterior. NP3 is an electroless nickel process with teflon mixed in. It comes out to a dull, gray finish that is hard, slick and self-lubricating. Roguard is a polymer coating. It comes out black, but it could probably be done in any color. It too is slick and durable.

Both treatments provide extreme corrosion protection, and the actions of both guns are a good deal smoother than before the treatment. The M1 Carbine magazines are particularly smooth and no longer bind. Both guns will get a workout in classes in the coming months.

I've had guns treated with both processes before, but I'm convinced that the Roguard-on-the-outside-NP3-on-the-inside method is the best way to go for a defensive weapon. We ought to call it "RGONPI." What the world needs now- another acronym!

Robbie is a good guy and a good friend. His attention to detail and devotion to quality are second to none. Highly recommended.

/John

26 Apr 01

This is from a close friend who does a lot of 1911 shooting:

"When I reload my Kimber Mini with a full-length, Colt magazine, it runs up too far, blocking the slide. In another of my Kimber Minis the ejector extends far enough forward so as to prevent the magazine from going up too far. Is this a problem with all mini-1911s? Can it be fixed?"

My reply:

The extended-magazine-that-goes-too-far-up problem is common with all cut-down 1911s. So common In fact, I recommend that full-length magazines not be used with mini-pistols, especially as a reload, just for that reason. I suspect, that, if shoved hard enough, the magazine would go up too far on both your pistols.

My advice is to stick with the magazines that came with the pistol and use them exclusively, particularly for reloads. Those extra rounds mean very little if the gun doesn't work.

/John