When considering nickel plate, keep in mind some shops will plate directly to the metal, like S&W did, while others plate with a copper intermediate layer, then nickel. Although the copper will fill any pits and allow for a very smooth, shiney nickel finish, it can present issues with the nickel lifting and flaking should solvents or corrosion find their way under the nickel and weaken the copper.
For a carry handgun, it's really hard to beat hard chrome for durability, scratch resistance, and corrosion resistance.