Springfield Armory Pistols

Question
Springfield Armory company says their pistols have been parkerized (instead of the typical bluing) process. Can you tell me what this means, I'm not familiar with this process?

Answer
Roy,

Parkerizing was developed before WWII (by, you guessed it, a fellow named Parker).

Parkerizing is a phosphate finish of some kind (often manganese phosphate) that leaves a dull, bead blasted look on the surface.  If you look at the finish under a microscope, you'll see there is a fine latice work to holds oil or other rust preventative, thus preventing rust.

This gives a nice matte finish, which I prefer to a highly polished finish (which you can never get all the fingerprints off of), and once wiped with an oiled or sylicone clothe is much better at holding rust at bay.

Most combat handguns today use a Parkerized finish, or something in appearance and function like it.

Best to you.