USFA NIckel finish

[alexanderom]

Hey folks,

I'm ordering my first USFA, a Single action with Ivory grips and a nickel finish and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how durable this finish is.
Does it flake off? Peel? Present difficulties in cleaning or maintenance? ANy help would surely be appreciated.

Thanks!


Alex

[RRio]

I've had mine for 3 or 4 years now. No problems at all.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Greetings Alex,
I have 3 USFA's with nickel finish and, like Rawhide, have had no problems.  It holds up extremely well and I have not experienced any peeling, flaking, etc..
Don't use Hoppe's cleaning solvent on nickel.  If there are any defects in the finish (cracks/chips) Hoppe's will work its way underneath and cause peeling.  Just about all other cleaning products are okay.  I use Never Dull, available at just about any automotive store, to clean the face of the cylinder.  Gets it looking like new.
CJF

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[Sixshooter_45]

I'm not really 100% sure but I think you're not suppose to use ammonia on Nickel either. 

[Laredo Crockett]

It is best not to use any of the super penetrants ie Break Free, WD-40 etc on a nickle gun. I   have used them with no problems and I have had them lift off the finish. I    have never had a problem using regular old 3-In-1 Oil. I   have also used Silicone with no ill effects.

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Thanks Laredo!  I think Sixshooter is also on to something with that comment about solvents that contain ammonia.  I believe it is the ammonia that attacks the copper undercoat used in nickel plating.
I have been using Ballistol on all of my nickel plated guns.

[Sixshooter_45]

Just thought I leave some more info:

Liquid Bore Cleaners

Liquid bore cleaners, such as Shooters Choice MC-7 or Hoppe’s #9, represent the most common and widely used method of barrel cleaning. In practice, a few drops of solvent are placed on a bronze brush and run through the bore several times. This scrubbing action should effectively loosen both powder residue and mild copper fouling, allowing it to be removed easily with a solvent-soaked patch or two. An alternate method is to use the solvents alone, without resorting to brushes. When using only patches to apply solvent, remember that the solvents work chemically and do not actually require any scrubbing. When solvents are used in this manner, use only a loose-fitting patch. In this instance, the patch serves only as a vehicle to transport solvent into the bore. A patch that fits the bore too tightly will be “wrung out,” leaving little solvent to do the work. A word of caution here regarding Hoppe’s #9 and nickel-plated guns: Use this solvent carefully and quickly as it can frost or strip the nickel plating. We have seen examples of nickeled guns being left to soak for extended periods in this solvent, actually causing the finish to peel and flake off.

Yes, Nickel does require some different care.  First and foremost, keep Hoppes #9 away from it, and any other copper solvent.  Nickel isn't all nickel as its got a base coat or layer that is usually copper. The ammonia in some solvents, if left on the surface, can attack the base chemically. Then the outside layer of shiny nickel will flake off. It'll make your pretty shiny revolver ugly.

[RRio]

I have been using Ballistol on all of my nickle plated guns.

That is probably the safest thing to use on a nickled gun. It is quite flagrant, but for the sake of your nickle, it is worth it.

RRio