How to clean Nickel plated guns

[WilliamK]

Hello,
I want to nickel plate a winchester 1894- 64 model. The reason is because I don't like the black blued appearance. I will do the receiver and perhaps the barrel.

How do you maintain and clean a nickel plated gun?
I read you need a non ammonia cleaner in case, as it may break down the copper the nickel is on top of.

I was going to get hoppes no9 but that has ammonia, what can I use?
Thank you.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You can use any cleaner. Just don't soak the gun in it. Wipe it off after cleaning. If you use electroless nickel, there is no copper undercoat.
A copper underplate is not really necessary for electrolytic nickel, either.

Be advised-plating an old Winchester is a very bad idea....

 

[WilliamK]

Thanks for the reply.
Why is it a bad idea?

 

[aarondhgraham]

Why is it a bad idea?

It's an irreversible modification of a semi-classic firearm,,,
It's not so much of a "bad" idea in itself,,,
It just hurts us purists to our soul.

Your gun though,,,

Aarond

.

 

[WilliamK]

Weren't winchesters nickel plated though.
I don't think it is pre-64 either.
The bluing is almost gone on this one as well. It has brown stains.