in revolvers. I am admiring a SW Model 34 in nickel plate and also am lusting after a SW Model 25 in .45 Colt with nickel. I did not think a lot about this yet but want to learn more. Especially after I saw in a gun ad on an auction site the person was pointing out that the revolver was a satin finish stainless, "So there will be no glare." Now my use for either revolver I want would be strictly range use, not as a sidearm while hunting and not for CCW. So, what might be the advantages and disadvantages to nickel plate as opposed to stainless or blued? I also saw a speculation that nickel plate is sensitive to certain solvents such as Hoppes #9. What can you tell me about that before I spend my money? Thanks in advance for your wisdom.
Questions about nickle plate
- Thread starter moewadle
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The Lone Haranguer
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There is nothing wrong with nickel plating, despite what U.S. Marshals would have you believe. 
It is not as durable or corrosion-resistant as stainless steel or the various "wonder" finishes, but is much more so than bluing. It is quite labor-intensive to apply, which is why S&W no longer offers it.
It is true that copper solvents like Hoppes #9 can attack nickel. It penetrates the nickel and softens the copper plating (necessary for the nickel to adhere to) underneath. You would have to leave it on there a pretty long time, however. Clean your bore and chambers (which are not plated) with it if you like, just be sure to wipe off any spatters that get on the exterior. Or use a solvent that does not dissolve copper and avoid it altogether.
I have a nickeled Model 29-2 myself. Go for it.
It is not as durable or corrosion-resistant as stainless steel or the various "wonder" finishes, but is much more so than bluing. It is quite labor-intensive to apply, which is why S&W no longer offers it.It is true that copper solvents like Hoppes #9 can attack nickel. It penetrates the nickel and softens the copper plating (necessary for the nickel to adhere to) underneath. You would have to leave it on there a pretty long time, however. Clean your bore and chambers (which are not plated) with it if you like, just be sure to wipe off any spatters that get on the exterior. Or use a solvent that does not dissolve copper and avoid it altogether.
I have a nickeled Model 29-2 myself. Go for it.
Gator
Member
It is just a personal preference, before stainless steel guns nickel plating did offer more protection than blue, but for a range gun that will not see hard field use it the finish really doesn't matter.
P.S. S&W still sells nickel plated guns! Check out their "Classics" line.
P.S. S&W still sells nickel plated guns! Check out their "Classics" line.
Virginian
Member
Nickel is good stuff. Cleans up easier and does not corrode/rust anywhere near as easily as blued. I have had a couple of Colts and Smiths in nickel and never had a single problem. There have been issues where a specific piece may have had the nickel start to flake off (errors comitted during manufacture), but all I have ever heard of were fixed perfectly by the manufacturer.
If there are scratches in the nickel and you use a copper solvent, it will attack the copper underlayer, so just don't use copper solvent. Nickel has a different hue than polished stainless, and some people still prefer it.
If there are scratches in the nickel and you use a copper solvent, it will attack the copper underlayer, so just don't use copper solvent. Nickel has a different hue than polished stainless, and some people still prefer it.
Yes, regarding your last sentence
is what I am thinking. I like the beauty of nickel and it would also be a way to add variety to my collection. This was brought home to me when I recently saw beautiful nickel-plated SW Model 34 in 22 caliber at gun store. Quite a beautiful piece.
is what I am thinking. I like the beauty of nickel and it would also be a way to add variety to my collection. This was brought home to me when I recently saw beautiful nickel-plated SW Model 34 in 22 caliber at gun store. Quite a beautiful piece.
mnw42
Member
My Cobra is nickel plated. The gun was a bit of an impulse buy since Cobras in decent condition can be as rare as hen's teeth sometimes and the prices was decent. I thought it might be a bit to "blingie" for me, but it has really grown on me!
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