Does anyone have a nickel revolver and does it hold up?

[Coyote Hunter]

I was looking for some feedback how the nickel holds up on some of the factory guns. I'm looking at several different models of tha Colt reproductions. I'm thinking of downsizing and getting me one or a pair that will last me a while, and can be used.

Any problems with flaking or it coming off?

Thanks 

[St. George]

Modern plating preparation and techniques are far, far better than they were 'back in the day'.

However...

Nickel plating is somewhat 'soft' and will show marks - though the surface isn't damaged.

During the era, it was a preferred method of protecting a weapon from the elements - witness the large numbers of plated originals in collections.

I have no idea how durable any of the clones might be - but Colt, S&W and USFA all have excellent finishes.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Fox Creek Kid]

The proper term for nickel "flaking" from a surface is called spalling. I have five nickel plated revolvers, however all were plated by aftermarket people, hence not "factory". Eventually, all nickel will spall with usage & cleaning. It's just the natire of the beast, however you can postpone it somewhat by not using harsh penetrants, Hoppes, Shooters Choice, etc., that will eventually penetrate under the plating and cause it to "raise", thereby encouraging spalling.

Since I only shoot real BP and clean with soap & water mine are in great shape, albeit the nicks & bumps that a true gunman's pistol will have as opposed to one owned by a piano player in a bordello. 

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[Delmonico]

The reason that these solvents cause the nickle to "spall" is that between the nickle and the steel is a layer of plated copper which is used similar to primer under a painted surface, the ammonia degrades the copper and then the nickle has nothing to stick to.

[Bristow Kid]

I have a Pietta that was factory nickle plated.  I have roughly 600 to 700 rounds of both BP and smokeless ammo thru it and have so far had no problems with spalling.

[Fox Creek Kid]

Del, I know of no platers that use copper underplating anymore.

[Delmonico]

Del, I know of no platers that use copper underplating anymore.

Didn't know they'd changed, ain't been around any plating since the late 80's and they still used it then.  Do they plate right on the steel or use another under coat?  I know when I worked in industry that we had parts plated they always said the nickle would not stick with out the copper.

[Coyote Hunter]

It is all good information, and I appreciate it. I never have safe queens, mine get carried on the farm, on horse back, at reenactments, and for the shorter barrel ones, to the store down the road, under my coat.

[Fox Creek Kid]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroless_nickel_plating

[Delmonico]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroless_nickel_plating

Thanks, at one time the electorless would only do a matte finish. 

[Coffinmaker]

Well ...........

I've got two Uberti built Cimarron Thunderers, bought about 10 years ago, shot a whole bunch with both smokeless and BP Subs.  There are a few areas where the nickel has discolored a mite, but overall, they still look just fine.  I probably have about 5000 rounds thru each.
Your mileage may vary ............

Coffinmaker 

[Texas Lawdog]

I carried a factory nickel plated S&W revolver for several years before the transition to semi-autos. I shot several hundred rounds through it and carried it 5 days a week. The only wear it sustained was on the backstrap from being handled.

[Montana Slim]

Del, I know of no platers that use copper underplating anymore.

Rock Island Arsenal plating shop does ...... and I'm certain at least some other shops must as well, as I'm aware of several miltary application components which have the requirement for copper underlayment.

Regards,
Slim