Lately, we’ve been doing a lot of topographic Cerakote(check some out on our Facebook page gallery,) and rightfully so because it looks so dang sharp. Generally, it’s done by just spraying one color, or sometimes two, and using a darker color to outline the lighter one. Then you just come in with the laser and bleach the Cerakote(basically just burning it to change colors) to get the effect. But most colors don’t result in the super high contrast of tan and black that we were going for.
So we decided to take it to the next level. We sprayed black on these guns and followed up with tan overtop with our usual dark outline of brown. Then after flashing, we threw it under the laser and burned through the tan layer to reveal the black. This is much trickier to accomplish on a surface that’s not all completely at the same level, but we had a few tricks up our sleeves, and I gotta say, this set turned out awesome! The pictures from Ballistic Imagery help of course!
What do you think of this topographic cerakote style? Let us know below.
In the world of firearms, durability, aesthetics, and protection are key elements every gun owner looks for. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional, finding the right finish for your firearm is essential. Enter Cerakote®—a revolutionary ceramic-based coating that has become the industry standard for protecting firearms. But what makes Cerakote the best gun coating on the market? Let’s dive into its art and science.
What Is Cerakote?
Cerakote is a specialized polymer-ceramic coating, designed to enhance several material properties of a firearm, including:
Corrosion resistance
Abrasion resistance
Wear resistance
Impact strength
Chemical resistance
Originally developed for military and industrial applications, Cerakote has found a home in the firearms industry due to its robust protective qualities and versatility in customization. Simply put, it’s a ceramic based paint designed to go on very thin.
Unparalleled Durability
Firearms go through extreme conditions—whether from weather, usage, or environmental factors—and coatings must be able to stand the test of time. Cerakote offers exceptional protection against the elements. It has been tested in salt spray chambers and has been proven to prevent rust far better than traditional gun finishes like bluing or parkerizing. Even under harsh weather conditions, Cerakote’s resilience keeps firearms in peak condition. You can watch the testing below, proving how resilient Cerakote actually is.
The ceramic component in Cerakote also adds abrasion resistance, meaning your firearm won’t get scratched or worn as easily. Something we always try to convey to our customers though, is that it’s not a miracle coating. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. But if you abuse it, it will eventually wear. Check out more of how Cerakote compares to the alternatives here.
Heat and Chemical Resistance
For gun enthusiasts who push their firearms to the limit—especially in rapid-fire scenarios or in extreme environments—heat is a major concern. Cerakote H-Series, the most common Cerakote product used for firearms, offers heat resistance up to 500°F (260°C). For higher temperature options, C-Series, a high-temperature air-cure option, withstands up to 1800°F (982°C), making it ideal for suppressors or barrels exposed to extreme firing rates.
Additionally, Cerakote is resistant to a wide array of chemicals, from gun cleaning solvents to gasoline. This makes maintaining your firearm easier without the worry of the finish degrading over time from exposure to harsh substances.
Customization and Aesthetics
One of the major draws of Cerakote is its customization potential. Available in a wide variety of colors, Cerakote gives gun owners the ability to make their firearms truly unique. From camo finishes to battle-worn effects and American flag designs, the possibilities are endless. Check out some of our designs here.
Customization doesn’t just stop at the aesthetics, though. Cerakote is applied extremely thin, which doesn’t affect the mechanical operation or precision of your firearm, maintaining all tolerances as if it were factory new. Despite being thin, the protective properties of Cerakote are superior to many thicker coatings, which could hinder the function of moving parts.
Increased Performance
Not only does Cerakote protect and beautify firearms, but it can also enhance their performance. The ceramic properties in the coating reduces friction between moving parts, leading to smoother operation and less wear over time. In environments where reliability and precision are critical, such as hunting or competitive shooting, this reduction in friction can make a difference.
Conclusion
Cerakote isn’t just a coating—it’s an investment in the longevity, performance, and aesthetics of your firearm. At Schiwerks, we take pride in applying factory-certified Cerakote finishes to firearms across the country, ensuring that each piece receives the highest quality treatment. Whether you’re looking for a custom design or simply want the best protection available, Cerakote stands head and shoulders above other finishes.
Protect your investment with Cerakote—the best gun coating on the market.
Interested in learning more about Cerakote or starting a custom project? Contact us at Schiwerks, and we’ll help bring your vision to life.
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable uptick in the popularity of lever action firearms. These classic rifles, long associated with the American Old West, are experiencing a renaissance among modern shooters. But what’s driving this trend, and how have these traditional firearms adapted to the 21st century?
A Blend of Nostalgia and Innovation
Lever action rifles have always held a special place in American gun culture. Their connection to frontier history and their iconic status in Western films give them an undeniable appeal. However, today’s renewed interest goes beyond mere nostalgia.
Modern manufacturers and custom shops, especially Midwest Industries and Mad Pig Customs, have breathed new life into the platform, updating these classic designs with contemporary materials and features. Lightweight alloys with modern machining techniques, improved optics, and enhanced ergonomics have made lever guns more practical and versatile than ever before. We just had the pleasure of doing a “modernized” lever action. This particular one was a Henry Model X 45-70, customized with Midwest Industries parts, shown in the pics on this article.
The Mad Pig Customs Effect
One of the companies that’s played a significant role in this lever action revival is Mad Pig Customs, owned by Steve Tyliszczak. This innovative custom shop has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with lever action rifles, creating eye-catching and highly functional builds that have captured the imagination of gun enthusiasts.
Mad Pig Customs has become known for their unique approach, which often includes:
Modern optics mounting solutions
Custom cerakote finishes
Enhanced furniture and ergonomics
Improved action work for smoother operation
Their builds, showcased all over social media, and even making it onto the big screen in John Wick 3, have inspired both individual gun owners and other manufacturers to explore the potential of modernized lever actions. And let’s be honest, have caused a lot of drool on phone screens from gun guys who’ve stumbled across their awesome designs. Check out more about Mad Pig on their website and an article from Free Range American here.
Why Lever Actions Now?
Several factors contribute to the current popularity of lever action rifles:
Versatility: Modern lever guns have became huge for hunting, target shooting, and we’ve even seen them used by some for home defense, although that’s not something we generally recommend in the age of semi-autos and higher capacity options.
Legal considerations: In some regions with strict gun laws, lever actions face fewer restrictions than semi-automatic rifles.
Ammunition compatibility: Many lever actions can use common handgun calibers, simplifying ammo logistics for some shooters.
Shooting experience: The unique manual of arms provides a different and often enjoyable shooting experience compared to semi-autos.
As more shooters discover the potential of these updated classics, it’s likely we’ll continue to see innovation and growth in the lever action market. The fusion of Old West charm with modern firearm technology has created a category that appeals to a wide range of enthusiasts, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary shooting sports.
So while we here at Schiwerks can’t think of a reason we really NEED a modernized lever action, it’s more of a issue of want for us. And we definitely see one of these in our future. How about you?
