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bright nickel finish

dearchaser
So many guns, so little time (and $)! I'm thinking of purchasing a 1911 with a "bright nickel" finish. Sure looks pretty. Is this a polished nickel plating, and what are the pros and cons of such a finish? As always, I look forward to your knowledgable replys.

When your only tool is a hammer, all problems begin to resemble nails.
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • dearchaser
    Did a little research and found a website with a fair amount of info on gun finishes. http://www.apwcogan.com/Refinishing.htm
    From their info, I'd be better off having a bright, hard chrome finish. More durable. Any thoughts on the matter out there? Gun would be used for target shooting only.

    When your only tool is a hammer, all problems begin to resemble nails.
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  • nmyers
    Chrome/nickle finish has fallen from favor over the years. I think the main reason is that most of them are not durable. I thought that if you could get a hard chrome like that used on Sears Craftsman tools, that would be great. I just don't remember seeing such a finish offered, certainly not by any manufacturer; there must be a good reason. My guess is that the type steel used in some gun parts is not "hard" enough to prevent flexing, & therefore would cause plating to eventually fail.

    Most pistols purchased by the military & police today have some sort of proprietary industrial coating. These are not only extremely durable, but some are even self-lubricating. Dozens of commercial outfits offer these finishes, in just about any color you could want.

    But, if you really want the "bright nickle" look, I'd consider stainless steel. While most stainless 1911's sold have a matte or bead blasted finish, it would be easy to polish one to a mirror finish by hand.

    Neal
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  • perry shooter
    HELLO I know you asked about a bright finish and I can't speak for all shooters but you also stated you wanted it for target shooting.I have been shooting 1911's in matches for over 30 years and I can't remember the last time I saw a bright finish gun on the fireing line most people want a matt finish on the top of slide to cut down on reflection. I hard crome the outside end of barrel and inside of barrel bushing on my match guns and diamond lap them for.0001 fit but this does not show when slide is closed. quote:"PRAISE THE HARDBALL GUN"
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  • Jake_S-83
    you are all missing the real solution here. buy the nickel gun and buy another with whichever other finish you were thinking about.[:D]
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  • dearchaser
    Thank you all for the replies.
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