I was kinda wondering if there was some sort of exotic looking finish that would be cool to have, and while protecting the gun better. I suppose I could get a DLC coating, that'd look pretty schnazzi.
A lot of people recommend Black T finish for it's durability. There has been a lot of progress in the finishing technology for firearms in the last 15 years.
I have been well pleased with the Wilson Armor Tuff finish so far but have only three years of use on the oldest one at this point. This pistol gets shot about once a week, sometimes twice. My full time carry pistol with Armor Tuff is about 16 months old. Neither gun shows any visible wear yet. Both guns are stored/carried in Sparks holsters.
I recently saw a Browning Hi Power with a Melonite finish that is supposed to be the EPA acceptable equlavent to the Tennifer finish on the Glocks. It is simply gorgeous and as far as I am concerned puts the Glock finish to shame. At 500 rounds there was no wear showing and at 1600 rounds it is barely showing a color change in the high wear areas. It is applied by a company called Drake. I personally think it is a great looking finish
+1 kells81. I don't have any personal experience with it, but some guys on another forum also recommend http://www.johnnorrellarms.com/ for a durable finish.