This is the last thing I thought would happen to such a nice pistol. My VP9's chamber indicator is starting to turn all red. Like the black paint is coming right off. I figured this would never happen to a great pistol like this and heck, I take care of all my weapons really well too. I never use harsh chemicals so I have no idea why this would be happening. I did take a picture. Maybe I should replace that whole black piece if I'm able to get it.  I took a picture and you will see what I'm talking about. Isn't there some kind of special blue/black paint I can use? I do have a small can of that special paint called aluminum black. Some kind of touch up paint I never used. Still sealed in the bottle. Anyone recommend I use that aluminum black on this piece of metal?

 

 

 

Is it peeling? or something growing on it?

Honestly, would just leave it as it is... no reason to paint it as if it gets in the wrong space... can impede the function of it.

If it really bothers you... contact HK, I am sure they can send out a new one. 

Also, how do you store the gun?  Is it foam case around?  If it is oxidation/rust... very common for north east for guns kept in box, in safe, in basement... without dehumidifier.

My Springfield XD was sent in to Springfield for a brand new refinish when the first gens had huge rust issues.   That is almost what it looks like with the extractor.

The black has NEVER stayed on HK extractors well. Believed to be due to the heat treat of the extractor but who knows. Dont worry about it.

If it's a family heirloom, then call CS.  (Which will get you nowhere)

If it is a home defense/personal protection gun, who cares!

 

All HKs have this issue, paint from extractor will peel off all HK pistols in no time. But it's only cosmetic, nothing to worry about unless you want a wall hanger.

It’s the extractor so leave it shows you use the gun.   HK is famous for this. 

replace the extractor for finish wear?

no

you need to run a few courses or matches with it, get some good holster wear on it! thatll make it prettier! 

seriously, wear tells a story

but i also think BFPU is cool, but being used hard enough to look like that by you is cooler

I was not aware H&K was known for that. I do believe that a nice wear and tear gives each piece its own special look. Figured since this was a top and very popular piece H&K would use better paint on their gear. Specially for what you pay for a 9mm. I love the gun, it is one of the most comfortable pieces I own and fits in my hand like a glove.

Thanks for the suggestions, in the end I'm just going to keep it the way it is. Just like my AR's, scratched up and beat up a little bit. Gives them a unique look. 

 

 

12 minutes ago, MichaelDiggs said:

it is one of the most comfortable pieces I own 

Great terminology.   

12 hours ago, Rob0115 said:

It’s the extractor so leave it shows you use the gun.   HK is famous for this. 

That's HK Quality right there.

Ill take an HK over any other crunch and ticker out there.

Leave it the way it is.  Shows you've used it.

Just buy a new extractor. Or send the extractor out to be refinished, maybe NP3'd. You can probably find custom finished extractors on ebay.  Regular paint won't work.

10 hours ago, Krdshrk said:

That's HK Quality right there.

C’mon man HK makes nice firearms.  I had my Mark 23 at the range the other day and it’s stunningly accurate.  

4 hours ago, diamondd817 said:

Just buy a new extractor. Or send the extractor out to be refinished, maybe NP3'd. You can probably find custom finished extractors on ebay.  Regular paint won't work.

If memory serves NP3 would not be a suitable solution for an extractor. There are embrittlement issues with small parts. Function first.

 

 

The extractor is heat treated to a hardness that works best. How it looks after use is not really part of the equation. This is a bit like being concerned your tank got a scratch on it. If you want an heirloom or gun art, look at something like a Cabot or Heirloom precision.

9 minutes ago, Shane45 said:

If memory serves NP3 would not be a suitable solution for an extractor. There are embrittlement issues with small parts. Function first.

 

 

The extractor is heat treated to a hardness that works best. How it looks after use is not really part of the equation. This is a bit like being concerned your tank got a scratch on it. If you want an heirloom or gun art, look at something like a Cabot or Heirloom precision.

People have entire guns NP3'd including extractors, with no issues. NP3 is just one option of many that I just threw out there. 

Here's another option. Pull the extractor out and polish it.

48 minutes ago, diamondd817 said:

 

Here's another option. Pull the extractor out and polish it.

This 

17 hours ago, Shane45 said:

Ill take an HK over any other crunch and ticker out there.

Shane, we are in agreement!

@High Exposure is not.

Favorites are the VP9 and my Berretta 92. Totally different but Enjoy both.

20 hours ago, Bklynracer said:

Favorites are the VP9 and my Berretta 92. Totally different but Enjoy both.

Are we brothers?

On 1/5/2019 at 4:54 PM, Bklynracer said:

Favorites are the VP9 and my Berretta 92. Totally different but Enjoy both.

I have both and love them each for their distinct qualities. It has been a while I fired my 92 though. I have the INOX model.

2 hours ago, MichaelDiggs said:

I have both and love them each for their distinct qualities. It has been a while I fired my 92 though. I have the INOX model.

Wood grips?

Rustoleum high heat spray paint 5$ can look on YouTube

I keep a dehumidifier running in my basement of my house (raised ranch). I set it to 35% and it has a pump with a hose going to a sink drain. Inside my safe I keep one of the blue bead dehumidifiers for closets. Being that I regulate the room itself, I only have to recharge the bead dehumidifier every other month or so. I store powder and primers inside the safe and whatever I have opened outside on my bench. You'll learn much more about dehumidifiers if read this article, I found it useful.

I agree with others, just leave as is.

for the record, this wouldn’t happen with a Sig..just sayin.  

 

NONE of my HKs have that problem. My oldest carry, carried a long time, an HK USP Compact 45, almost 23 years old is still tip top.Yes, I use them and carry them. HKs are my all time favs next to 1911s and Sigs. For you folks that say its a known problem, first I heard of it being a known problem. I've seen some fade but not chip off. 

Looking at the barrel block, looks caked with grime and such. How often do you clean it? What do you use.

Options:

- Buff it down to bare metal. 
- Use Casey Gun black pen.
- Alum Black is only for Aluminum as it is not paint but a chemical reaction.
- Buy a new one.

 

58 minutes ago, NJSigfan said:

I agree with others, just leave as is.

for the record, this wouldn’t happen with a Sig..just sayin.  

 

Especially a stainless Sig 

10 hours ago, NJSigfan said:

I agree with others, just leave as is.

for the record, this wouldn’t happen with a Sig..just sayin.  

 

lol... I was just coming to post this when seeing the thread title on the right!