Why were/are guns Nickle plated?

Originally for durability, but today mostly for cosmetics I would think. Anyone interested in sheer durability for harsh environments would be better off with Stainless.

My finish of choice on hand guns has always been Blue - but I do use Stainless for EDC. That said, there's nothing like a Nickeled SAA with Stag Grips riding in a well broken in leather holster........... :)
 
Last edited:
I carried a nickel Colt Gov't in my truck for several years, under the seat. Didn't hurt it any. Same for a S&W M13, it still looks great. They both were cleaned to Hoppe's many times before I heard of any threat to the finish. Nickel is like blue, if you are too lazy to care for it, it will rust, and sadly, a nickel gun will show it much worse.
 
wbraswell said:
I carried a nickel Colt Gov't in my truck for several years, under the seat. Didn't hurt it any. Same for a S&W M13, it still looks great. They both were cleaned to Hoppe's many times before I heard of any threat to the finish. Nickel is like blue, if you are too lazy to care for it, it will rust, and sadly, a nickel gun will show it much worse.
Click to expand...

That's because you live in a dry climate. Try doing that someplace with a lot of humidity or even worse, salt in the air, like parts of Florida or Hawaii, and you'll see the attraction to stainless. :D
 
Nickel has a warmth about it unlike chrome or silver.

Chrome being hard as nails and silver being kinda soft and corrosive.

Chrome wasn't available until later though and I've seen a few nice guns ruined by chrome plating because guys thought it was better. A whole nuther discussion.

Call me crazy but my oldest hot rod guitar has all new nickle hardware.

Stainless is the best thing since.
 
Tom S. said:
That's because you live in a dry climate. Try doing that someplace with a lot of humidity or even worse, salt in the air, like parts of Florida or Hawaii, and you'll see the attraction to stainless. :D
Click to expand...

Oh, I don't have any aversion to stainless, but I've had no problems with my nickel guns. They weren't in vehicles parked in a garage either. It ain't Florida, but East Texas is NOT a dry climate. It's closer to the Loulsiana swamp.
 
Mistered said:
Impractical, expensive and doesn't last. Just what was the thought process with this?
Click to expand...

I dont know but--I dont want any guns having such on them. What I dont like--is its too "flashy" for my taste. Other than that--to each his own. Kinda like on many cars here--I dont know what the proper term is for those who attach those pipes on their mufflers that make a farting sound, but ill never have such a gadget on my car.
 
The only nickle I have on any gun is the trigger, forestock end cap and Saddle Ring on my Winchester 94 Buffalo Bill Commemorative - barely acceptable but I have to live with it!
 
Mistered said:
Impractical, expensive and doesn't last. Just what was the thought process with this?
Click to expand...

As was said, corrosion protection. The reason for nickle plating is that chrome plating was not an option when they first started plating pistols. BTW all chrome guns are nickle plated first as part of the process. There also is a different appearance, chrome being more flashy while nickle is a somewhat softer appearing finish.
 
I love, yes love the nickel finish. It's so freaking awesome. I prefer the S&W or Colt nickel finish. Let's not forget the world famous S&W nickel finish revolvers in 44 Russian was bought by the russian zars son. He ordered many in nickel finish. The nickel finish is a big part of the s&w history. If you collect s&w then you need to have nickel finish guns too.
Since the nickel finish is slowly being phased out better grab what you can now.

Blue is cool, stainless is better, but that nickel finish is freaking awesome.
 
I love nickel, hate stainless.

Stainless looks unfinished, rough and poor to me.

I know, it's a personal opinion.

All my pocket pistols are M 38's in nickel, they've all worked well and have great finishes.

Nickel is my favorite finish.
 
Stainless isn't as tough as you think it is. I seen stainless revolvers start to dull or corrode when in contact with body sweat in a in the pants holster. I'm not sure how it would do in a salt environment be careful with stainless, wipe it down and switch holsters often if ccw.
 
BigBill said:
Stainless isn't as tough as you think it is. I seen stainless revolvers start to dull or corrode when in contact with body sweat in a in the pants holster. I'm not sure how it would do in a salt environment be careful with stainless, wipe it down and switch holsters often if ccw.
Click to expand...

Yup, stainless is a relative term and there are many versions of the alloy. Some can be very stainless though. The Chrysler Building in NYC is still pretty shiny some 86 years later.
 
I wonder what the S&W revolvers in 44 Russian look like today in Russia?
Some of the order were in the world famous S&W nickel finish. I believe the order was in the late 1800's / early 1900's from the Russian zars son.
 
BigBill said:
I wonder what the S&W revolvers in 44 Russian look like today in Russia?
Some of the order were in the world famous S&W nickel finish. I believe the order was in the late 1800's / early 1900's from the Russian zars son.
Click to expand...

Some village cop in middle-of-nowhere Siberia is likely still carrying one :).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

U
Nickel Plated Finish Polishing Technique.
2
Replies
20
Views
784
VaTom
V
B
Old M&P 4th Change, Nickle plate is bad
Replies
2
Views
370
glowe
glowe
M
Optic plate on Shield 1.0
Replies
3
Views
215
Cphobes
Cphobes
D
Magazine floor plate protection
Replies
4
Views
123
DartonJager
D
T
What year? Need opinions.
Replies
12
Views
464
Texas455
T

Latest posts

Back
Top