Anyone have problems with a Springfield armory XDm rusting? Or any other carbon steel gun rusting?

I only ask this because I'm a stainless steel welder and I know stainless does not rust. I own two guns and both are stainless. So I don't worry about the finish wearing off with use. But the XDm is almost entirely carbon steel. I know Springfield will refinish it, but it just seems like a hassle I don't need.

I put a XDm on layaway without researching material used in the gun. I like the gun but there are others I won't have to worry about. I can get the money back in store credit, minus $25. Not a big deal.

Any opinions would be helpful regarding firearm rust. Thanks!

Dana H2014-12-11T11:45:27Z

Stainless will still rust when you're getting it wet, just not as bad. I've had my stainless Encore out in the rain and it did get a small area of light rust which was easy to clean off.

There are some interesting corrosion tests people do for all the different products out there for gun oil or CLP that you could sort through on the internet.

Lime Green Medic2014-12-09T00:01:53Z

I never owned or carried an XD series pistol long enough for it to rust. The extractor problems were enough for me to never want to keep one.

Modern firearm finishes are highly corrosion resistant, and, as others here have said, if you take care of the gun with basic PM procedures, you shouldn't have a rust problem.

And, having worked here in Florida, I can attest to a stainless steel sidearm showing signs of rust. I'll admit, I was surprised, too...the first time.

Edited to add: I am not as enamored with the M&P's finish. You will probably find the XD series pistols to have a better finish than the stock factory M&P. I've actually seen factory M&P's which had rusted in the holster, even with basic PM.

?2016-11-02T08:19:52Z

Springfield Xdm Problems

august2014-12-08T18:23:56Z

Most guns, including that one, aren't just "carbon steel." They're given a coating of some sort to help retard rust and other corrosion.

For example, Glock uses a process called Tenifer, which is a nitriding process. Springfield and S&W use the same basic process, but call it Melonite.

As long as you actually keep your gun clean and properly oiled, there's no reason to think that it will ever rust.

Jeff2014-12-08T18:34:00Z

actually... the early runs of XD pistols did have a rust problem. I understand they figured out the problem and fixed in a few years back.

Shorty G has never carried a pistol full time... Lol... and not all "stainless steel" is totally corrosion resistant. Depends on exactly how it's alloyed and what the working environment is. I had buddies on the Marine detail in Florida who rusted up quite a few "un rustable" stainless pistols on duty

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