I picked up a 1960' nickle plated model 49 Bodygaurd. It's in very good shape. I doesn't appear to have been carried or shot much at all.

I hope to get it to the range in the next couple of weeks to see how it shoots.

I've never had a nickel before and wanted to know the do's and do not's of caring for a nickle finish.

Thanks for input.

There are certain solvents that will affect a nickel finish (usually with ammonia in them). Just look for one that says "safe for nickel finishes" and you'll be fine.

They show fine scratches more than a blued gun, so go light on abrasives and scrubbing. I use Renaissance Pre-Lim and Wax to make nickel guns look nice and stay that way but there are plenty of other good options.

Enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Hoppes and similar copper solvents that contain ammonia will damage the plating.
Use something like CLP or dozens of other better cleaners. My personal choice is Kroil.
Polish once lightly and sparingly with Flitz or Mother's and a micro fiber cloth.
As stated, Renissance Wax is a great finish:

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I have a few nickel guns and I use the same stuff as murphydog. It works very well. It is also kind of pricy, but last a real long time.