Polishing Nickel Help

[22lrfan]

I recently picked up a nasty, nickel '78-'79 19-4 at a local police supply store. It was a confiscated gun that they had bought from a nearby town. After cleaning and polishing it looked pretty good except for the sideplate that wasn't covered by the stocks. What remains is similar to freckling on a blued gun. I used Mother's on it first. I then used Flitz on the areas that didn't come clean. All polishing was done by hand. Any idea on what to try next or is this as good as it will get.

 

[dfariswheel]

That's all you'll get.
Any more polishing and you'll remove the nickel down to steel.

About all that could be done is to have it re-plated.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have to agree. Any more rubbing and you stand the chance of removing the nickel finish.

Stop there and shoot it and enjoy it!

 

[22lrfan]

Thanks for the info. I've got another nickel 19-4 and a nickel 19-5 that are in great condition. I guess this one will be the range gun.

 

[stansdds]

Yep, that's the best it will be short of having it refinished. Consider it a shooter with character, one that can be used and if it gets another scratch, it just adds to the character.

 

[raljr1]

Maybe look for a sideplate.. i was able to fit one on an old 32 target ...should be easier on a 19...

Robert

 

[chief38]

I concur with the above posts - it would only get worse if you polish anymore. I would not seek out another side plate either. It will never fit just right right and again it would cost way too much. It's a shooter and that's about it. Learn to luv the ugly duckling; I've seen a lot worse!

 

[stansdds]

You might get lucky and find a side plate that drops in and fits perfectly. If you do, immediately run, do not walk, run out and buy a lottery ticket because it will be your one true lucky day.