DLC-Coating - A Process That Changed Everything

I was looking at pictures of some of our earlier Scorpion models, and one thing that stood out to me was the absence of our DLC coating on the bolt.

Once we added the DLC coating to our bolts, there was no looking back, so seeing that caught me off guard.

The DLC process changed everything we knew about bolt maintenance and lubrication. Shooters at range events are shocked to discover that we haven’t cleaned or lubricated our rifles or pistols outside of a drop or two before the day begins.  

This applies to suppressed and non-suppressed shooting.

What does DLC-coating provide?  

The key benefits include:

• High hardness (2500-4500 HV)
• Excellent wear resistance
• Friction reduction
• Thin, uniform film (precision coating)
• Excellent aesthetics

With the surge in the popularity of DLC-coated parts on the market, it’s important to note that not all DLC is the same. As with any manufacturing process, the more popular it becomes, the greater the discrepancies will be between what is done correctly and what is done in name only.

Everything from how they are machined to the proprietary polishing process is crucial to the finished product. It gives our bolts the illusion that they have been lubricated, but to the surprise of many, they are dry to the touch.

This is why two DLC-coated parts can look so different in a side-by-side comparison.

A couple of common questions:

Can I send my factory bolt in for this process?

One-off parts are cost-prohibitive due to minimum lot charges and specific fixturing required.

Can I have my complete barreled action done?

No. The process is not suited for deep holes.

The results speak for themselves, so we apply this process to all our 22 LR bolts. This includes our complete rifles, pistols, and aftermarket Competition Bolts for the Ruger® 10/22®, Ruger® MK series, and M&P 15-22.