[Min]

I have my eye on a [586] - one in nickel or one in blue. I don't like stainless. which is more durable - nickel or blue? Which looks better (I know it's subjective).

[Mike Irwin]

686 wasn't made in nickle. It's stainless steel.

If it is nickle plated, it's a 586. If it's blue, it's also a 586.

There were, however, several thousand 686s made in "black stainless" in the late 1980s.

They do look similar to the blued 586s. The only way to tell for sure is to open the cylinder and look at the model number stamped in the crane cut.

[Min]

Sorry I meant 586. I'm not interested in a 686.

[Mike Irwin]

Ah, there you go then!

As for which looks better, I like blued guns. With one exception (it's an autoloader) all of my guns are blued.

I just don't like a shiny silver revolver.

[EJ]

The nickel finish is significantly more durable--
If you like or can tolerate the finish--get the nickel-
Unless you plan to sell it soon--Nickel can be harder to sell--

I like nickel-- I don't understand why stainless is so popular--

I know I know--People don't like to take care of their guns------:rolleyes:

[Kahr carrier]

Get the Nickle 586 you dont see them to often.:D

[BigG]

Nickel is nice with dark wood grips. The blue I would choose over Nickel possibly would be the Brite Blue which was what they used on their high end guns like the 44 Magnum. Don't see that type of finish much any more. :cool:

[aug e. dog]

I have a nickle Model 19, which looks great. I have a Model 10, with a shiny blue finish. It also looks great. As you can see, I'm a big help here.

[Jason Demond]

I like nickel revolvers, I own three.
Models 25, 27, 29.

[HerbG]

I like a nickel finish on a revolver that is going to get heavy use. It was frequently chosen by law enforcement agencies for that reason in the pre-stainless days. While I own several stainless guns, I really don't care for the stainless look at all. Nickel is easier to clean than either blue or stainless if you shoot extensively.

[10-Ring]

Forgive the newbie question, but I was under the impression that nickle was sensitive to modern solvents & to be careful because the nickle finish is delicate...true, not true?

[HerbG]

Yes and No. Some cleaning solvents such as Hoppe's #9 may damage the finish, but most will not. I sure haven't tried everything available, but hopefully the labels would have a warning about possible damage. Anybody have any information on that?

[sixgun_symphony]

If you own a boat, then I recommend the nickel plated revolver.

If not, then I would go with the blued steel guns because it looks better.

[10-Ring]

If you own a boat, then I recommend the nickel plated revolver

No offence, but HUH? :what: