I have a .338/06 AI on a black synthetic stock. Right now, the barrel and action are raw steel and I would like to finish it in a stainless look. I have thought of having it nickel plated. Any comments on the durability of this finish? Also, can anyone recommend a good gunsmith in the Alberta region to do this?

Premier Gunsmithing in Edmonton had one of my firearms electroless nickle plated a while back. A local plating shop here in Edmonton did it, I forget which one. If you call and talk to Cam, I'm sure he'll be able to help you. - Dan

My local gunsmith buddy built a .19 AI Hornet on a Ruger stainless action. He had the barrel exterior plated with a matte industrial hard chrome. It is very attractive and matches the action. He says it resists scratches better that any coating he has ever used.

I prefer hard chrome. The nickel is soft and easily scratched, you wont know it untill some rust shows up.

Thanks guys. Is the hard chrome very shiny, or can it be given a matte finish?

It can be given a matte finiah, the ones I've seen were grey, but apparently they can do them in black as well. - Dan