Nickel v.Stainless

[OLDFED]

I can't determine why, but I LOVE stainless guns and don't even give a nickeled one a second look. Does anyone else feel that way...or the reverse? Maybe it's a blonde/brunette thing?

 

[Pharoahsoon]

I always used to think that they looked cheap. But I just posted a thread in the 1961-80 section about a nickel 10-5 that I got with the intention of abusing. When I cleaned it up, it started to grow on me. I think if they are in good shape, they look nice. But when the finish starts to come off, they look bad.

 

[StingrayG4]

I love 'em in stainless, nickle and blue. I'd probably choose stainless as my favorite if I had to choose. I hope nobody makes me choose.

-S

 

[RussellD]

I prefer brushed hard chrome to all of the above.

 

[jmark1651]

It kinda depends on what you intend to do with it. If you just look at them, like I do mine, all are fine. If you want something durable for heavy carry, the stainless is more forgiving. I really like all three alot,myself.

 

[scooter123]

Big fan of stainless here, all 4 of my Smith's are stainless. What I like is that I don't have to worry about a particular cleaner damaging the finish. In addition, one of the products at work that I am responsible for are fully polished show car headers made with 304 stainless. So, I know how to put a high polish on stainless and haven't been able to resist barbequeing my revolvers. IMO, aint no gun prettier than a stainless revolver with a high polish. Yeah, they do get marked up, however it's only a 5 or 10 minute task to buff out any marks.

 

[Dick Nissen]

I have tried to buy a nickel gun for the past 35 years & have not been successful yet.

 

[Mule88]

If I had the choice between nickle and stainless, id take stainless every time. It can always be polished up to look like nickle if you like the bright finish look. Also stainless can be polished out to remove minor scratches and nicks.

 

[Engine49guy]

Stainless is more durable but feels a bit "Cold" .
Nickel is a warmer looking finish but not as durable.

IMHO Nickel is prettier when clean but Stainless is the most forgiving. They both can be cleaned up and polished but only Stainless can be lightly sanded and buffed out.
Blued guns can sometimes be touched up , Nickel can Peel, bubble or Flake and then the gun has to be totally refinished.

 

[tbury]

I think nickel was basically replaced by SS for use where corrosion and humidity are a problem. Both suffer from light reflection where concealment and low visibility are desired. I prefer the looks of blue; but like the durability of stainless steel. On the other hand I have picked up a few Nickel guns the last couple of years and have warmed up to its beauty. A nickel gun in fine shape has a depth to the finish that for me is similar to the difference between bright blue and mat blue. I vote -- for beauty nickel; for carry and durability SS. YMMV