Blued vs Nickel vs Stainless

[Bigdog357]

I like them all, but prefer Blued - Here is my Model 57

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have polished several revolvers to look like nickel.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Nothin' like having them all shined up and purty.
M29-2, M27-2, M66-1

I really need to get some Ren Wax.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

for me its Blued > Stainless > Nickel. I can't stand shiny guns.

For a carry piece I probably give the nod to nickel.

 

[JRB416]

For me stainless is very practical and nickel is showy, but nothing rivals the beauty of those early Smith & Wesson N frame magnums from the mid fifties to sixties. That's one of the reasons I'm drawn to early 44 magnums and early model 57s. I have a very early Colt Python that has some nice blue as well.

 

[Frailer]

I’ve never been a huge fan of nickel, even though it can be beautiful. Stainless is most practical for carry, and I prefer it for guns that spend a lot of time in a holster. But blue is tops in my book, especially when it shows a bit of honest wear around the edges.

I can’t say I have a single favorite example, but I think this one is pretty:

 

[stansdds]

Blue for looks.
Nickel plated for looks plus corrosion resistance.
Stainless for easiest maintenance.
Each has its place and I like them all!

 

[Pisgah]

I'd prefer a world where people know that "stainless" is NOT a finish...

 

[38 Specialist]

A well-rounded collection should have some of each, IMO. One of my prettiest revolvers is a model 19 in nickel.

 

[ladder13]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TC2xTCb_GU&pp=ygULaSBsaWtlIGd1bnM=

 

[45Smashemflat]

Yes… (more characters required)

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Here blue is beautiful. stainless is tough, Nickel seldom leaves the safe except to be admired.

 

[CH4]

I voted blue, but I like ‘em all equally.

 

[djohns6]

Nickel looks pretty but most of the ones I've seen do not hold up to honest wear down the road . Nothing uglier than a pistol with flakes of nickel peeling off . Before anybody says they have a 50 year old nickel plated pistol that looks like new , I don't care . I'm basing my opinion on what I have seen and a S&W that I personally owned .

 

[MarkAlt]

Hard to beat Colt Royal blue, but even an everyday work gun can look good…

Love a nice nickel or polished SS too…

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I never liked stainless steel revolvers until the 686 came out in 1981. Also being a cop and just like the majority of cops that revolver needs Pachmyr or Hogue rubber grips. But I do appreciate real ivory or stag grips and nothing wrong with nickle finish either.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

The Colt Single Action Army in nickle with stag grips look just right. A little tasteful engraving too especially when going out to Barbecue.

 

[raljr1]

I would answer thusly.

 

[fiasconva]

Even though I voted for stainless for myself I have to say nothing compares to the vintage blue revolvers, beauty and class combined.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Some beautiful examples of guns of all three finishes in this thread �� keep them coming! Really shows that all three are appealing for different reasons.