Thoughts on a Nickel Finish 1911

[combatantr2]

I saw today at my fave gunshop a sweet looking NORINCO 1911 with a nickel finish (stock). I understand the nickel finish is just a top over coat - finish and and not a steel perse, am I correct? If so, Im wondering how nickel would hold-up overtime compared to chrome. Gun price is about Php16,000.00 or USD370.00. They now also have the NORC park-black finish going about the same price.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bannockburn]

combatantr2

Nickel is a form of plating, and is a surface finish, not a type of steel, like stainless. Typically a gun will receive a primary surface plating of copper, as nickel and chrome will not always adhere directly to steel. Then the nickel plating will go on top of the copper plating. Depending on how well the nickel plating is applied, the finish can last for many years, and still remain intact. One thing I avoid when cleaning any plated gun is any sort of copper solvent, like Hoppes No. 9, as the solvent may work its way into the base copper plating, and cause both plated surfaces to flake or peel off the gun.