How durable would this finish be?

[Lightsped]

So everyone needs at least one pimp gun, right?

How durable is a handgun with a factory nickel finish? Is it something that is better not to shoot? Is the finish really delicate?

The gun in question is shown below.

 

[Sean Smith]

Older nickel plated finishes offered pretty good corrosion and wear resistance, but tended to flake and peel. More modern electroless nickel plating is tougher and adheres to the base metal better than older nickel finishes.

Personally, if I was getting a gun in a plated finish I would want hard chrome or NP3.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Nickel is pretty when new and chintzy when flaking. I prefer a more modern finish as suggested by Sean.

 

[Zer000]

Personally, if I was getting a gun in a plated finish I would want hard chrome or NP3

Ditto.

 

[AK103K]

If your using the gun on a regular basis, they all will show wear, although some more than others. I have a Combat Commander that was formerly blued and is now hard chromed. Its now polished bright in places where it contacts the holster and there are spots in tight places that show "rust" or discoloration. Its still a much better finish for nasty environments than the original blue, which was starting to rust more and more daily before I had it done. To its credit, Colts blue job did hold up for a pretty good long time, but it was no match for a constantly sweat soaked IWB leather holster. The nickel guns that I've seen that had been carried tended to show scratches, much like the polished stainless guns.

 

[Zach S]

Personally, if I was getting a gun in a plated finish I would want hard chrome or NP3.

 

[Old Fuff]

It isn't clear if this is something you have, or something you might get. In any case I agree with the others that have posted messages, but if you're in the market to buy I'd consider polished stainless steel. Not that it's so much better, but it's easier to touch up, and they're is no plated finish too wear or peel.

 

[Lightsped]

No, I don't own this gun. I do think it is interesting and would be a nice conversation piece. I doubt I would ever fire it though....

 

[Old Fuff]

If this is to be a "show-off/seldom carry/never shoot" kind of gun I think you're safe with any of the finishes that have been discussed. Buy it and enjoy it.

 

[MaterDei]

This is the kind of gun that you would not want to fire. Therefore, it is a gun I would want NOTHING to do with.

 

[horge]

Okay, this foreigner wonders:
would that piece qualify as a barbecue gun, or is it still too pedestrian?

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I think the nickel finish is really nice on the right gun, but I would never want to shoot it, or leave fingerprints on it, or put a scratch into it.

 

[sgt127]

horge...

Lose the Mother of Pearl. Replace with Ivory. It could do a fair job of a BBQ gun in the right leather.