Nitriding/meloniting/QPQing/tenifer makes the surface of ANY steel considerably harder and therefore more wear-resistent than either type of steel is otherwise. It brings the rockwell-c hardness up to the mid 60s range depending on the base metal, but no matter what that metal is it's still WAY harder once treated.

Richard, Nitriding/meloniting/QPQing/tenifer makes the surface of ANY steel considerably harder and therefore more wear-resistent than either type of steel is otherwise. It brings the rockwell-c hardness up to the mid 60s range depending on the base metal, but no matter what that metal is it's still WAY harder once treated.

Hi Richard, This rifle comes with a black nitride finish to protect it from the elements in the most extreme hunting environments. I think it wears better personally.