Is the nickel finish on my Smith Model 57 .41 magnum likely to hold up well if I shoot it a lot with full strength factory loads?

I've used it some on the range and have taken deer with it. But I've avoided so far real heavy use.

What I'm mainly concerned about is possible flaking and/or permanent discoloration in areas exposed to blast from the cylinder gap.

As far as the deer noticing the nickel, that's harder to say. If not a sunny day is one thing. But if there's a reflection, that's different. I think maybe, just maybe, one deer noticed it. It certainly noticed something. But I'm not sure what.

I doubt this is comparable to stainless, in either the wear and tear question or on deer spotting it. With one exception. I imagine a bright highly polished stainless barrel on a sunny day might get noticed.

What a bummer. I thought you knew where we could buy pistols for $0.05 ...



One benefit of nickel is that you can refinish the handgun at any time and have it looking like new; SSK or Mag-na-port spring to mind. I'd use the pistol as you wish. If it needs refinishing in 10 years, so be it.

Shoot the revolver and use it; that is, afterall the intended use. I can't say the deer I've killed were anymore attuned to the stainless revolvers I was using at the time or not. I have been spotted before, but I believe it was due more to being winded or having to move too much to get into a shooting position than any other single cause.

You should get good life out of the nickle, but eventually it will wear. I think you will get more wear from holsters and cleaning chemicals than you would from firing. Enjoy, in 15 years, get it refinished or buy a new one.

John

If it turns out anything like old Gibson and Fender guitars, some honest wear will only increase the value.

Not a S&W, but I've got a Colt 1911 with some kind of nickel finish. Looks almost as good today as it did in 1980+/- when it was new.

I have hunted with, carried as work guns, and shot Nickel handguns a fair amount.

I like them and see no reason not to use one in everyday use.

I would not pick one for high volume competition shooting, but I have shot mine a lot with no problems or Nickel flaking.

Been shooting a nickel smith from 1980on, still looks great. keep hoppes off the nickel, clean it with breakfree, cleaners with amonia will strip the nickel finish. You can not wear it out!