Alk8944
US Veteran
I'm going to go against everyone else and bet that the gun has been bright Chromed, not Nickel. The color does not appear right for Nickel! There are two ways to settle this. First ask him to remove the Hogues and check for the large block N which will be stamped on the left rear of the grip frame. Or, second, have him send a photo of the serial number of the gun and the box label to confirm that the gun and box belong together and what does the label say the finish was when it left the factory? My money is on the box label says the gun was issued blued!
So far as value it is probably a $600-650 gun as-is for a shooter, assuming it is mechanically sound. Makes no difference if it is Chrome or Nickel! Take $150 off for worst case replace the hammer and trigger if the Gold bothers you that much. This will be cheaper than re-finishing them. Paint is easily removed from the sights using acetone or fingernail polish remover. Neither will damage the gun. I'm curious why you even mentioned this since it is such a minor thing.
So far as value it is probably a $600-650 gun as-is for a shooter, assuming it is mechanically sound. Makes no difference if it is Chrome or Nickel! Take $150 off for worst case replace the hammer and trigger if the Gold bothers you that much. This will be cheaper than re-finishing them. Paint is easily removed from the sights using acetone or fingernail polish remover. Neither will damage the gun. I'm curious why you even mentioned this since it is such a minor thing.