Checkmate refinishing in Florida did the refinish. The finished product is "Not" gold in any part of the TiNi finish. The first phase does cover the metal in a gold color then the black nitride gives that a flat black parkerized look.<br><br>The front sight and rear stay attached and the scope mounts have QD levers to remove as needed and re-attach with solid zero retained. Thus "if" I damage the optics I have the redundancy of iron sights as a backup to the tasco glass........<br><br>The cost of the TiNi finish is about 100-150 $ as I remember it. I believe Robar also does that work if your on that side of the CONUS (AZ) versus Florida and want him to do it. I have had both do work for me and they are either quite good at what they do........<br><br>The reason I chose .223 and 12 gauge was the availability of those rounds and the brass that's around and I had a Lyman Tong Tool for reloading the .223 if needed in the field. A lee handloader works just as well for that purpose IMHO.<br><br>The .22 LR and Mag insert's are just iceing on the cake as I can pack a brick of these in my larger vehicle kit with the combonation 24V and eat well till I return to normal dig's......<br><br>Stay Safe , Hope I helped and didn't confuse or misinform........