Is Stainless 1911 Better Than Blued Steel?

The Colt M1911 has been coated with many different finishes by both Colt and aftermarket manufacturers.

Blued Steel

This semi-automatic pistol is finished in blued steel.

More 1911 autopistols have been finished in blued steel than any other finish. The original Colt M1911 was made only in blued steel. A blued-steel 1911 is less expensive to buy than a stainless steel 1911.

While bluing involves an oxidation process, you'll need to keep your Colt 1911 oiled to prevent further corrosion due to blued steel's reaction with moisture.

Stainless Steel

This tiny revolver is finished in stainless steel.

According to the M1911.org website, Colt didn't manufacture an M1911 in stainless steel until 1985. While bluing is a finish on carbon steel, stainless steel is a type of steel. Stainless steel, while not corrosion-proof, is much more resistant to corrosion than blued steel.

Bottom Line

No difference in accuracy or reliability has been noticed between the blued steel and stainless steel versions of the M1911. If you're concerned about limiting corrosion without need for obsessive maintenance, choose stainless steel. Otherwise, it's a matter of personal preference and a slightly higher cost for the stainless steel version.

References

• Van's Gun Blue: Van's Instant Gun Blue
• M1911.org: Series 70 Government Model: The return of an old favorite