Model 36 nickel plated

[cbourbeau32]

I just bought a model 36 that is nickel plated. I knew going in that it had some places where the nickel plating is has been rubbed off or is missing because it has some rust spots but I got it for a decent price and I am happy with the overall condition of the gun. The gun locks up tight and has nice looking rifling and it is a Smith so I know it has a lot of miles left on it and I am just going to stick it inside an IWB holster and carry it anyway but is there anything I can do to inhibit the rusting issues? Thanks, Charlie

[dbriannelson]

First, polish it up by hand using a compound that specifically says it's for nickel.  That will probably remove the rust and will make it look much nicer.

"Nickel" is actually nickel over copper over the base metal and is quite rust resistant.  But both of those metals are pretty soft and can be worn or scratched through.  And the copper under the nickel is very susceptible to copper solvents.

Once you've got it cleaned up, use a silicone cloth once in awhile over the whole surface for protection.  And don't let cleaning solvents sit on the surface for any length of time.

-Don

[cbourbeau32]

Thank you for the input. I would probably have "goofed it up" by using solvent on it. Charlie

[dbriannelson]

You can use bore solvents to clean the chambers and bore, but you don't want to leave any on the nickel when you put it away. 

I always figure when I see a shiny nickel gun that the owner doesn't shoot it much.  It scratches and clouds pretty easily.  One that's been used shows wear.

Of course, I always suspect that any pristine finish means the gun is a rug queen anyway.

-Don