Nickel or no nickel?

T

topflan

New member
This concerns my intent to find a nickel-finish, SW .357 Model 19-4, 6" bbl. I've read on this forum concerning other SW models that shooting 38+ can cause a nickel finish to come off. Would this also be true of a factory nickel finish on a 19-4 and that I could not shoot .357 with it?
Thanks
 
Yes.
It's not a question of if, it's a matter of when.
Mine went a couple thousand rounds of normal .38's then it started to lose bits on the face of the cylinder. Once it starts, it goes downhill fast.

I view it as the price to pay for a nickel finish, and accept it as normal wear and tear.

The enjoyment I've gotten out of that gun over the years, as well as it "being there" a few times when I packed it along as a camp gun make up for it in spades.

It's honest wear as opposed to damage done by neglect or using the wrong cleaning agents.

I also bought a 4" nickel 19 that I don't plan on shooting anywhere near as much as the old 6". If it does show signs, then *shrug* *oh well*. I'll look back at it also as being a source of enjoyment.
 
It is pretty much a given that cylinder chambers are going to take some hot gases and will erode/etch. Flitz and TLC will reduce this. Will your cylinder peel like a banana? I haven't had that experience. I do have less than pristine cylinder faces. I use Flitz on them and practice TLC. My nickel is still there and with proper care, will still be there in 40 more years.
 
Thanks for sharing and, what the heck is flitz?

Thanks, guys, for the insights. Sir William, what is Flitz? Sounds like a bug spray. Regards.
 
Also, be aware that if you are really troubled by the typical deterioration of plated guns...they can be replated. Replating requires a skilled plate shop, but if they really know what they are doing (the issue isn't the plating, its the polishing) everything is returned to new.
 
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