TiAIN is more gray and often has a blue/violet hue
Black nitride is Ferritic Nitrocarburizing, much like Melonite or Tenifer
Ionbond is black. The surface absorbs oil and releases it over time, essentially self-lubricating.

There are also many other choices for a hard black surface.

 

Thanks KR. With your experience, what would you recommend? I want a factory look that's durable. I want something that can take a beating and still look good.

Thanks.

 

KG gunkote is rock solid and can mimic a factory finish. For a great price and quick turnaround xd-hs2000 is phenomenal. Single color is like $55 I think and I have never seen complaints about his work.

 

^+1 on James at XD, he has done 2 of my pistols with gunkote and both look fantastic. Had him swap the sights on my m&p as well and a great deal.