Refinishing DB9 Barrel?

[phoenixcrash]

Just picked up a 2nd Gen DB9 from a friend of mine for $200. The pistol shoots fine, but will receive a nice fluff n' buff and the Galloway Precision spring kit. My question lies with the finish. The frame and slide look great, however, the barrel hood looks like it's seen better days. Anyone know what kind of steel the barrel is made of? Just wanted to know, so I can either try to cold blue it, or Duracoat it.

[Chris]

I'd just cold blue it with some good stuff, such as Oxpho-Blue from Brownells. That area gets pretty abused, so I don't think Duracoat would do very well. Actually, nothing will do very well, but bluing is better than a surface coating.

[phoenixcrash]

I've got a bottle of Black Magic that I have used to touch up the barrels of Mossberg shotguns. It leaves a nice black oxide type finish. I'll agree that it is a high wear area, and normally I would never even consider using a surface coating such as Duracoat. However, I recently Duracoated a Springfield XDs for a friend who wanted me to do the barrel too (against my advice). I was surprised at how well the barrel hood looks after 500+ rounds. Only a couple of small scuff marks. I never thought Duracoat would hold up on that area. Thanks for the advice, Chris.