There are different grades or types of electroless nickel and some will rival industrial chrome for hardness. Industrial chrome is a great finish if properly applied, but not the only game in town.

I have a friend who owns an original Colt Combat Commander finished in electroless nickel. He doesn't shoot it as much these days, but there was a time when he shot it every week for several years. One couldn't say his gun looks like new, but it looks nice. A blued gun subjected to similar use would probably be a lot worse.

I would think twice before changing that gun around, especially if money is tight.