Bare stainless or cerakote new Cooper 92?

[ChrisAU]

Have had a rifle in the order que with Cooper since January, now considering asking if I can add cerakote. This will be a rifle I keep forever (S/N is my last name ha), it is a 280 AI with the olive/black webbing. I was perusing gunbroker and saw a model 52 (maybe 54) that had the same stock but a desert tan/FDE cerakote on all the metal that got me thinking about it. I think Cooper will want close to $400 to do it. In general I keep my rifles oiled and clean, but I do hunt in wet conditions a lot. I do worry about the appearance if the cerakote were to chip/wear. Thoughts?

 

[WJS23]

I would have someone else do the cerakote because 400 for getting the metal work done seams over priced I had my tikka done the metal and rings black and then the stock and scope cerakoted in asat as well for 375 the guys do awesome work i can send you there info if you would like

 

[ChrisAU]

Dealer got back to me, Cooper would charge $360 to do it. I'd rather them do it, just debating on if the Cerakote is useful or not. Research this morning is all over the place.

 

[JFK]

If all you want is a one color cerakote on a barreled action then I wouldn’t pay $360. A job like that can be done for under $200.

I had a blued rifle cerakoted a few years ago and am totally sold on it and will cerakote every hunting rifle I own from now on. Guy charged me $150 for flat black on the barreled action, bolt handle and all bottom metal and trigger guard. Looks great and not a speck of rust.

 

[weaver]

Kampfeld custom did my Tikka action,barrel and bolt for $200 including return shipping. I think he did a good job.

 

[colersu22]

I just had a local shop cerakote my tikka. He did the bolt, bolt shroud, barrel/action and rail for $220.

 

[Runningwater]

If you choose to go with the cerakote, I'd probably spend the premium to have them do it. That way it's still "original" factory Cooper. If it were a lower end gun, I'd send it off and have it done and save $150.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

If you choose to go with the cerakote, I'd probably spend the premium to have them do it. That way it's still "original" factory Cooper. If it were a lower end gun, I'd send it off and have it done and save $150.

That’s exactlt what I was thinking. If it was me though, I’d just keep it normal stainless. I’ve seen rust creeping and spreading under creakiest in areas where it had been chipped.

 

[ChrisAU]

Yeah if I do it it’s either them or nobody. I know a lot of cerakote problems occur because of poor surface prep...well my action/barrel/bottom metal will never be as clean as they are right now at the Cooper facility. I also worry about should I have an issue with the rifle that requires replacing a metal part on Cooper’s dime...it’ll be on them to cerakote what they replace.

 

[catorres1]

I have a stainless weatherby Accuguard. Just had it cerakoted with the elite line. Reason I did it...stainless, while rust resistant, is not rust proof. Also, some alloys of stainless are more rust resistant than others. I have been in situations where I was concerned about corrosion but could do nothing about it at the time, and did experience very small amounts of corrosion. In addition, the non-stainless parts, like the mag box, can corrode. In the end, felt it was better safe than sorry. Now, if I get stuck out in the rain for hours or whatever, I don't need to worry about it so much, whereas before, I would pull the action from the stock etc etc.

One other thing, in talking to Cerakote, they recommended the elite line....it is no more expensive....but is more corrosion and abrasion resistant. It is also more lubricitous, so it works well on bolt bodies, akin to microslick according to the tech I talked to. Only downside is that the colors are very limited at the moment.