After looking for a while, I walked into a gunshow and found a NIB Remington R1 with polished nickel finish for sale. I had wanted this one for awhile and snatched it up. Any tips on keeping the finish shiny?

Don't shoot it?

Well, if you must then you must, but if you don't abuse it and don't carry it on a daily basis in a holster the finish should always be shiny. I only have two nickel guns presently, I used to collect nickel guns but I stopped, and one of them is very worn and "unshiny" because it was a daily carry gun for a Wells Fargo guard. The other is spectacularly shiny because I don't shoot it (I have, but I don't make a habit of it) and I do not abuse it nor do I carry it despite being a major fan of carrying 2" K frames.

I hope the photos show the difference clearly.

Attached Images

	Model 10 nickel SB.jpg (150.1 KB, 131 views)
	Wells Fargo Model 10 4 inch nickel.jpg (5.1 KB, 149 views)

velvet lined holster?

In all seriousness, I don't have any experience with Nickle plated guns. It sounds like a beautiful piece.

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Ren wax works fantastic on nickel.

I was not aware that Remington made the R1 in nickel. Could your gun possibly be polished SS?

http://grabagun.com/remington-96304-...h-nkl2664.html

Thanks Houston Rick. I am aware of the polished nickel finish now. Pretty gun.

That's sharp, nice piece.

Are you sure it is nickel? I believe that model is stainless steel with a high polish, isn't it? Special run for the distributor Sports South? The link above leads to an ad incorrectly describing the pistol in one place as high polish nickel, and polished chrome in another place in the same ad.

Here is the correct description from the distributor exclusive:

REMINGTON HANDGUNS R1 High Polish

Remington Arms Firearms 96304 1911 R1 SAO 45ACP 5" High Polish SS

The accuracy and reliability that have made the 1911 an American icon
shines brighter than ever, literally, with this high polish version of the
1911R1. This pistol features a crisp trigger, dovetailed front and rear
sights, precision-machined slide and frame with a high polish, and white
pearlized grips. The Model 1911R1 is truly the finest blend of exacting
craftsmanship and out-of-box performance available today. Every element is
produced with ultra tight tolerances in equipment representing the height
of modern technology.


SPECIFICATIONS:
Mfg Item Num: 96304
Category: PISTOLS
Type :Pistol
Action :Single
Caliber :45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP)
Barrel Length :5"
Capacity :7+1
Safety :
Grips :White Synthetic Pearl
Sight Configuration :3-Dot
Weight :38.5 oz
Frame Finish :Stainless Steel High Polish
Frame Material :Stainless Steel
Barrel Type :
Slide Description :Stainless Steel High Polish
Case Type :
Sight Style :
Barrel Length Range :5.00" to 5.99"
Weight Range :

Since yours is "NIB," which means new in box, your box ought to have the Remington catalog number on it, and if it is 96304, then you have the Sports South exclusive high polish stainless steel.

Not sure now. Ads and seller said Polished Nickel, but I cannot find polished nickel in Remington website. Literature that came with gun does not say anything about finish. It is a beautiful gun and either finish is fine.

It's been about a year and a half now and was wondering how the finish is. I was eyeing a Rock Island nickel finish 1911, but apparently, the finish wears off and becomes hideous after awhile. How is your Remington? Thanks.

The finish is like new as it only leaves its box in the safe to go to the range in a fabric gun mitt. Of course it is carefully cleaned before returning to the safe. However, it is stainless steel rather than nickel as advertised by the seller. I am very happy with it. I have attached a thread on nickel guns. I like Rock Island 1911s and would not hesitate to buy it as long as I accepted the rules of caring for the finish.
Knowledge Needed-Proper Maintenance & Care of Nickel Guns

Honestly, given a choice between nickel plated vs stainless steel, I'd take the stainless steel every time. Much easier to maintain and you never have to worry about stainless flaking. That's a nice looking stainless Remington, glad that you are enjoying it.

Stainless or nickel, it has great pimp value. Seriously, as you know in Texas they're called barbecue guns and yours certainly qualifies. I would wear it proudly.
Both on and off the job, I carried a frosted nickel Combat Commander for 18 years. There is some slight discoloration where it was next to my body but the finish is still in good shape.
I inherited this series 70 full size and it's what I carry to special occasions. I polish it up, of course. I changed the sights to high profiles.
P.S. The grips are Mexican silver and gold. Classy.

Attached Images

Colt MKIV_nickl.jpg (32.0 KB, 70 views)

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It even has your initial on it

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Thanks for the update. I think I'll go with the Remington whenever it becomes available again. There is nothing to flake off and that's much more reassuring. I've seen a few videos/articles on plated guns and seems like the plating flakes off eventually, even if it was taken care of.

What do you use to keep it shiny after range trips?