Question about S&W Model 15 nickel plating

UCLALAW

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Another S&W I recently acquired - a nickel plated model 15.
This revolver is in good condition, but being that I never owned and am not familiar with nickel plated firearms I don't know if the small, light scratches on the entire gun are normal or not. It's not quite like brushed stainless, a little finer. Doesn't seem like wear since it's very evenly distributed on typical wear areas and not so exposed areas as well.
Is this the way they came from the factory or is it the result of someone trying to polish it?
A noob question maybe, but just never seen many nickel plated firearms.
 
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The "spider webbing" in the finish is pretty normal for nickel guns that have been handled over the years. It comes from contact with holsters, dirty wipe rags, etc.
Below is my nickel pre-15 when I first got it. It had quite a bit of it.
DSC00489.jpg


With some careful polishing with Maas and a clean soft rag it now looks like this.

pairnick.jpg


Some people recommend Mother's mag wheel polish, but I prefer something less aggressive like Maas or Flitz. Takes longer but feel it works better. It has taken some time, and I still pull it out occasionally and polish on it some more.
 
All I can say is wow... while mine isn't as bad as the first pic, yours came out great. I've used Mother's polish and have some Flitz on hand. (Haven't heard of Maas) Will it polish out with just some polish on a cloth and elbow grease or did you use power?
 
Use hand power. It is too easy to get "buff" marks with power tools, and you can't get to all of the nooks and crannies. Take your time and do it right. You'll be glad you did.:)
 

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