[winstonsmith]

Ok, heres a dumb newbie question. What does nickel plating do to guns?

Beside make it look cooler.:cool:

[B27]

In the era when black powder was used in most pistol cartridges the nickel was much more resistant to corrosion than blued or case hardened carbon steel.

[cratz2]

It's still one of the very best finishes to help prevent corrosion. I believe my next customized pistol will have the Robar NP3 finish applied inside and out. Similar to nickel.

Personally, I still have guns that have had tons of useage that still look good. I have a Colt 1991A1 from 1993. I've put more rounds through this one than any other 1911 I've ever owned. I also carried it for quite some time when it was the only sensible choice for carry that I owned. Had it subtly customized a while back. This is the guns original finish, basic parkerizing - it has only been touched up with a Sharpie marker. Not supposed to last and many will tell you it doesn't do a great job at corrosion resistance. Don't believe 'em. ;)

[Ala Dan]

turns 'em into a nickel plated sissy pistol!:uhoh: :rolleyes:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[winstonsmith]

I don't understand Ala Dan.. care to elucidate?

[michiganfan]

It was a line that Tommy Lee Jones said to Robert Downy Jr in the movie. Basically told him to get rid of his nickel plated sissy gun and get a Glock.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Winston Smith-

Just a little humor; guess I need to be more careful,
but I didn't know that someone would take it so
seriously!:uhoh:

Some nickel plated handguns are among my all time
favorite's; such as the Smith & Wesson 39-2 9m/m
and the Smith & Wesson model 19. Also, an old 70's
model nickel Colt Python ain't bad either my friend.

Then there is the 70's Series Colt Government model;
what a beauty!:D But, I don't like an all nickel SIG-
P220. Why? Cuz I like the element of surprise to be
on my side!:uhoh: :)

So, as you can see my comment was all in having a
little fun. Take care, best wishes for the holiday week-
end.

Respectfully,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Standing Wolf]

My Detective Special is nickel-plated. It's a little quicker to clean up than a blued gun.

[mainmech48]

Just be careful about cleaning solvents with them. NEVER soak parts that are plated in any of them, and don't let it stay on the surface any longer than absolutely necessary.

If there are any scratches or imperfections in the plated surface, the solvent can get under the nickel and cause it to "flake" or peel. Traditional electroplating with nickel or chrome is usually applied over a base plating of another metal (usually copper) for better adhesion. Almost all bore solvents will attack copper to some degree, and some of them will penetrate the slightest opening almost instantly.

"Electroless" plating is tougher, IMO, as the process produces a "molecular" rather than "mechanical" bond with the base material. Properly applied, it's generally much more resistant to the dings and scatches from normal use that allow solvents to get in under it.