Nickel or Stainless ?

[ia1727]

Which is better--Nickel or Stainless ?

Should you stay away from one and not the other?

How do you clean or polish each to remove scratches ?

Can they be cleaned up to look like new?


Steve

 

[john traveler]

It's more a matter of personal preference than which is "better".

For generations, before stainless steel was used to make firearms, nickle plating was preferred over bluing for it's resistance to humidity, corrosive priming and black powder residue, and easy maintenance.

With the advent of stainless steel revolvers and pistols, carefree and low maintenance are it's outstanding virtues. There is no "finish" to wear off or corrode. If scuffed or scratched, some carefull rubbing with the proper abrasive medium is enough to restore it's appearance.

Modern nickle finishes are quite durable, but still subject to impact damage, scratches, and scuffing. Relatively little needs be done to keep it looking pretty.

Of the two, for extended outdoor use in inclement weather, or for minimum maintenance requirements, stainless gets the nod of approval.

 

[WHO CARES]

Stainless gets the nod hands down - there is no seperate "finish" applied to the metal. If it gets too used looking, resurface the metal.

Now if I can only get over the idea that stainless looks like a piece of unfinished crap......

Guns are supposed to blued or blued with case colors.....

Ward

 

[elfego baca]

I prefer stainless over nickel.

 

[jpwhel]

I have a few of each. The SS is easy to maintain, clean up and polish. You can even put a high polish to it to almost make it look like nickel.

However, there is something to be said about the shiny nickel guns. They just look great. The nickel is also fairly easy to maintain and polish.

I use either Flitz or Mothers mag polish to polish both types of finishes, the nickel requires a much lighter touch. Then finsh both up with a wax.

 

[BHPFan]

Stainless all the way, buddy!

 

[ia1727]

Thanks Everybody

Which do you think works best; Flitz or Mothers Mag and are either readily available ?

Thanks Folks

Steve

 

[jpwhel]

Flitz is available at most local gun shops or sporting goods stores that handle gun accessories. Mothers mag polish is the auto mag rim polish (get the least abrasive) sold at auto parts stores.

Flitz may be a little less abrasive for use with the nickel guns but Mothers works with light buffing just as well. For stainless I only use Mothers since it will buff away any marks or scratches that the SS is bound to get.

There have been several discussions about both if you want to do a search.

For added protection and storage you can use Johnson's paste was or Renaissance wax, both will show lots of discussions if you do a search.

 

[R. G. Amos]

For polishing Flitz works great. But it doesn't seem to remove frosting/clouding in my experience.

 

[SmithNut]

I hate to be a stick-in-the-mud.... but

Before answering any question, I'd like to understand what's being asked.
Better for what, exactly?

Durability?
Collectibility?
Visual appeal?
Corrosion resistance?
Useability?
Repairability?

What are you looking for, a "using" gun answer or a collecting gun answer?
It'll help narrow the responses, IMO.

 

[ia1727]

Before answering any question, I'd like to understand what's being asked.
Better for what, exactly?

Durability?
Collectibility?
Visual appeal?
Corrosion resistance?
Useability?
Repairability?

What are you looking for, a "using" gun answer or a collecting gun answer?
It'll help narrow the responses, IMO.

Mainly to be used on a shooter grade gun/guns--to remove mild scratches in the finish. Would use wax for storage to protect or light oil for range work. As far as repair it would mainly be to remove small or light scratches.

Thank you---Great Questions.

 

[SmithNut]

ia1727
Based on that, the recommendations for stainless are spot on. Not only are these guns fairly resistant to corrosion - they clean up easily, you can easily make a gun look like new without the need of a gunsmith.
Nickel was the way to go way back when stainless wasn't common, but it has issues, mainly it can peel if damaged or not properly maintained.
Some nickel guns are highly sought after from a collecter standpoint, but if your needs lean toward pure functionality/shooting then stainless is your best bet.
This is not to say that nickel or even blue guns aren't good and fairly durable as long as you take care with preventive maintenance and carry methods, some holsters are tough on the finish.
Good luck on your search.

 

[rpg0123]

Both are high quality finishes. Nickel is prettier. It also shows fine "webbing," though. If I were buying a gun to carry, I would go stainless. If I were buying a range gun or a safe queen, I'd go with nickel.