How to spot a re-nickel

davidkachel · 03-29-2007, 08:45 PM

No, I don't have any idea. I was hoping one of you guys would.
I am about to receive a gun that is either a fantastic deal because the nickel is original, or a complete rape because it's been redone, and I don't have a clue how to tell the difference.

Heinz · 03-29-2007, 09:08 PM

David, it is difficult. First try to see if there are any pits that seem to have been nickled over. Look for the buffing marks but those are usually not there as they can strip the blue chemically before they paint.

Know the characteristics of the pistol you are looking at . The early 1910 Browning shown here should not have the safety and trigger chromed. Other than that there is almost no tell tales of the chroming. The chrome has been on the gun since circa 1946.

Heinz · 03-29-2007, 09:10 PM

Another view

Heinz · 03-29-2007, 09:12 PM

one more

Hugh · 03-30-2007, 12:40 AM

Also, do your homework and know if that particular model was ever issued from the factory in nickel. I once had a beautifully nickeled Remington 51, however I found out after I bought it that Remington only made that model in blued finish.

03-29-2007, 08:45 PM	#1
davidkachel User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 784 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	How to spot a re-nickel No, I don't have any idea. I was hoping one of you guys would. I am about to receive a gun that is either a fantastic deal because the nickel is original, or a complete rape because it's been redone, and I don't have a clue how to tell the difference. __________________ A heroin habit would be cheaper.

03-29-2007, 09:08 PM	#2
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	David, it is difficult. First try to see if there are any pits that seem to have been nickled over. Look for the buffing marks but those are usually not there as they can strip the blue chemically before they paint. Know the characteristics of the pistol you are looking at . The early 1910 Browning shown here should not have the safety and trigger chromed. Other than that there is almost no tell tales of the chroming. The chrome has been on the gun since circa 1946. Attached Thumbnails

03-29-2007, 09:10 PM	#3
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	Another view Attached Thumbnails

03-29-2007, 09:12 PM	#4
Heinz User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Greenville SC Posts: 1,004 Thanks: 377 Thanked 410 Times in 180 Posts	one more Attached Thumbnails

03-30-2007, 12:40 AM	#5
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Also, do your homework and know if that particular model was ever issued from the factory in nickel. I once had a beautifully nickeled Remington 51, however I found out after I bought it that Remington only made that model in blued finish. __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*