Nickel Plated Uberti?

[TheTinMan]

Inexplicably, I cannot let go of the idea of getting one of Uberti's replica Schofield No. 3 top break revolvers. Either Taylor's or Cimarron - don't think it matters which. I've found a new nickel plated one and was about to buy it when I thought "I wonder if their nickel plating is any good?"

I plan to shoot the gun at the range occasionally. No cowboy action or carrying around. I've never owned a nickel gun and don't have a good sense of how the finish handles scratches and "handling marks". Also, if anyone has experience with Uberti nickel plating that would be great to know about.

 

[Inusuit]

I have no experience with Uberti nickel plating so feel free to ignore the rest of this post.

I do have a S&W Model 38 that has been carried and used extensively with no damage to the nickel.

Note that in the days before stainless steel and non-corrosive power/primers, nickel was the preferred finish because it resisted corrosion better than bluing. That doesn't address scratches and "handling marks."

I would not be reluctant to purchase and use any nickel plated firearm. Ubertis are generally decent quality and I would expect the finish to be the same.

 

[Rpg]

The nickel finish Smith used to offer on their guns was superb. Unfortunately, Smith has stopped offering it. Now it's a textured, mottled product that doesn't resemble the smooth, shiny finish Smith had been using for many, many decades.

Whether the Umberti nickel is as functional as Smith's was is unclear. However, it's obviously possible to produce a nickel finish that is functional and worthwhile.

Check whether the nickel finish is included in Umberti's warranty is the first question I'd ask before buying one.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I can't fill you in on the nickel plating, but I do have a pair of No 3 Russians by Uberti (in 44 Russian) Using original 246 grain fps my guns produced 4 consecutive 2" 5 shot groups at 25 yards! Weather you get a Schofield in 45 Colt or 45 S&W chambering, use the Schofield velocity! That will avoid long term frame stretch. y guns are over 20 years old now and are just amazing to shoot.

BTW, I traded into 700 45 Schofield reloads. They feed and function just fine in both a Marlin 1894 CB in 45 Colt and my Rossi 92 in 45 Colt. It increases magazine capacity by about 40%. I have also shot a large quantity of them in my 45 Colt Vaqueros.

Ivan

 

[ko41]

The nickel looks good. Mine doesn't have any discoloration or peeling, there are a couple areas that maybe could have been smoothed out more before polishing, but overall, it is a nice looking nickel finish. As far as longevity and wear resistance are concerned, I don't know how much use it had before I got it, and I haven't used it much since I've had it. The finish does show some fine scratches from handling, but no more than any of my S&W nickel revolvers.

KO

 

[TheTinMan]

The nickel looks good. Mine doesn't have any discoloration or peeling, there are a couple areas that maybe could have been smoothed out more before polishing, but overall, it is a nice looking nickel finish. As far as longevity and wear resistance are concerned, I don't know how much use it had before I got it, and I haven't used it much since I've had it. The finish does show some fine scratches from handling, but no more than any of my S&W nickel revolvers.

KO

Thank you KO!

 

[Trooper224]

Their nickel finish is as good as any. Buy with confidence.

 

[Kinman]

No experience with their nickel but I have been doing the best I can to mess this Bisley of theirs up and it keeps coming back for more. I only shoot black powder through it and keep it clean between outings. The case hardening is weak and will probably wear off from cleaning in a few more years, otherwise the finish holds up very well. I bought it from a guy that only shot it while watching old westerns...Bisleys fit my hand much better than SAA's.

 

[jeffrefrig]

If you get one please show it off if you can. Uberti is a fine gun..

 

[TheTinMan]

If you get one please show it off if you can. Uberti is a fine gun..

I decided against the nickel plated version because the examples I saw weren't great. Roll stamp lettering looked blurred on one and the other had imperfections that would bother me. However, I will post pics when the blued version gets here.