John,
The silver nitrate solution process is a form of electroless plating. Agreed, it is super thin. Over the years, mfrs like Browning/Miroku, Win/Kodensha, and others have tweaked the methods and alloys. I recall one Citori of silver nitrate finish that was clearcoated from the factory, but soon wore off in the usual places from carry. The silver finish turned a gray/black in the area of wear until it too wore thru to the steel. I had a 101 Pigeon with the same silver nitrate finish and similar things occurred.
