handgun finishes

[polaris]

Hi,
would like to know how Nickel Finish compares to other finishes like Polymer coating, Classic Blueing, Parkarizing and so on...
in terms of durability, looks and maintenance...
Thanks for your input

 

[marlin60]

I've never owned a nickel finished pistol, but from what I have read you have to be careful with how you clean them, and the solvents you use.

It is a plating, and tends 'peel'.

Pretty though.

I'd prefer polished stainless by far. Nearly indestructible, and easy to clean.

 

[t-star]

well,way back when , your only 2 options from colt were blue and nickel- my nickel series 70 is as fresh as the day it left the factory- and it's seen a lot of rounds- it REALLY depends on who does the job, just like everything else- and as long as you stick to the regular gun cleaning stuff,( not some home made witch's brew) there's no problem- but in today's market, there's only one option in my opinion- STAINLESS- just back in the day it suffered from "galling" which they've overcome

 

[richardoldfield]

To date, the best finish I have found is hard chrome. It is durable and easy to clean. Regards, Richard

Hard chrome on my custom S&W M457: