Nickel carry piece?

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SaxonPig

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Nickel plated revolvers were somewhat popular in the South and a few other jurisdictions in the past. I have several ex-cop guns in nickel and one of them (a S&W model 19-3 issued to Customs and Immigration officers in 1970) is used for concealed carry. I have read in the past that some "experts" advised against a shiny gun for SD but the reflective drawbacks they warned against don't really concern me. If I pull it the muzzle flash will be much brighter than any light reflecting off the nickel.

Anyone else packing a shiny gun?


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Before stainless steel, concealed carry guns were commonly nickel plated because they were the best rust resistant finish that was available. I think the "shiny issue" is much overstated, and the only drawback is that over time the plating may peel. If you carry much and shoot little I wouldn't worry.

I never did. ;)
 
All of my carry revolvers are Stainless (649, 67,or 64). Most of my carry pistol options are stainless (though factory blackened)(Sig 229, M&P9mm) except for my 92 which is the standard finish.
 
That may be the M19 I carried in the 90s. Has some of the finish peeled on the cylinder? Did it come with a really nice action? Too bad I don't have the serial number to be sure.

As Old Fuff says I think the tactical disadvantages don't really exist.

Skeeter Skelton related the story of a Texas Ranger's response when asked what kind of gun one should get for SD. He suggested "the biggest you can handle and get it nickel plated so you'll be sure they see it" or something like that.
 
I carry my bright polished stainless Detonics CombatMaster pretty often -

SDC11371.jpg
 
I read an article on a famous bounty hunter in the 80's (can't remember his name right now) but he carried a nickel plated 4" S&W Model 29. Said with nickel the end of the barrel looked positively HUGE and was a major intimidation factor, which stopped a lot of fights before they started.
 
Some people's sweat will even cause stainless steel to rust. I bet you can guess how I know! :(
 
I had a little a Spanish top break in .38 s&w that was in nickle. The only problem I had was the fact that it had started to peel and there was no cost effective way to amend the problem.
 
The only "bright" guns I have are a matte stainless snubby and a "disco style" (think Miami Vice) two-tone blue/nickle .45 auto.

I don't think a gun's shinyness is going to affect the outcome of a defensive gunfight. That's also why I don't see the need for camo or dark earth pistols unless you're a member of SEAL team 6.
 
I have a nickel plated RIA 1911 that I carry sometimes.
DSCF3625.jpg
I would someday like to have a nickel detective special, or to buy a ruger redhawk and have it nickel plated.
 
My great uncle Ed carried a nickel S&W .38 breaktop. According to the serial number, it was made in 1884. It's discolored on one side from being carried in his back pocket, but not flaking. He probably carried it for 50 years as an electrician and part-time cattle farmer. I assume he didn't carry it in WWII while he was in the Navy.

I don't believe I have any other nickeled guns.
 
I think nickel guns are cool, retro style and class but then I think guns should be metal and wood with plastic only for grips.

my only nickel is my favorite gun
 
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I prefer stainless guns simply cause I sweat alot and I'm hard on my firearms. Its easy to keep the rust at bay and when I booger up the "finish" its a simple job to clean it up. The user friendly nature of stainless firearms allows anyone with even the most basic skills the ability to make them glow like chrome or if wanted/needed give them a nice low shine matte finish.

I will always find blued guns (especially a royal blue 1911 or python) more attractive than stainless, nickled, camo or parked firearms. But the fact is of the 12+ handguns I own all but three of them are stainless. Of the three one is hardchromed and another is in the process of being matte nickled. I use my guns as they were intended, they are tools and the stainless or plating just plain holds up to my use.
 
Well, living in San Diego it's not something I need worry about at the moment, but no. I would have no problem. The "bump in the night" bottom feeder is matte stainless & the M66 next to it is polished up right shiny. ;)

EDIT: Glad to see meal protection is alive & well! :D
 
I carry a Model 30 3in nickle. It is nice and small and shoots well.
 
Do I have to say it?

"Get yourself a Glock and lose that nickel-plated sissy pistol." - Tommy Lee Jones

lol, just kidding.
 
I will always find blued guns (especially a royal blue 1911 or python) more attractive than stainless, nickled, camo or parked firearms.
Click to expand...

blued is a basic shoe brown/ black
stainless is workboot
nickel is wingtips
;)
 
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