Pietta 1858 SS or Nickel Plated...how can I tell

CAS_Shooter · June 22, 2019, 05:24 PM

I just purchased a used New Army 1858 and was told that it is the all stainless steel model. However, I now see that Pietta also makes a nickel plated 1858 8" 44 cal model which looks the same but has a brass frame.

I am concerned that the one I purchased may in fact be the nickel plated model instead of the SS model. I understand the brass frame model is lower cost. Anyone know how I ca tell if my revolver frame is SS or nickel plated? Is there any simple test I can run on the frame to see if it is SS or nickel plating?

I did not get the box with the gun.

Hellgate · June 23, 2019, 12:03 AM

A fair number of the nickel plated guns are brass framed. Take a magnet to the frame. If there is attraction it surely isn't brass or nickeled brass. However, not all stainless alloys are magnetic but polished steel will be magnetic. It can look like stainless or nickeled.

CAS_Shooter · June 23, 2019, 05:45 AM

There is a small magnetic attraction to the frame, so maybe that answers the question.

arcticap · June 23, 2019, 08:47 AM

The steel parts inside of the frame can also create a light attraction.
I don't believe that Pietta uses non-magnetic stainless but then I'm not sure.
I would do a comparative test with other stainless parts such as with the barrel to see if the degree of magnetism is equal across the board.
Also, Pietta may be able to verify if it has a brass frame or not if you email them the serial number.

Fingers McGee · June 23, 2019, 12:09 PM

The SS Pieta 58 Remington that I have is magnetic, grips a magnet tightly in multiple locations.

June 22, 2019, 05:24 PM	#1
CAS_Shooter Junior Member Join Date: December 12, 2012 Posts: 3	Pietta 1858 SS or Nickel Plated...how can I tell I just purchased a used New Army 1858 and was told that it is the all stainless steel model. However, I now see that Pietta also makes a nickel plated 1858 8" 44 cal model which looks the same but has a brass frame. I am concerned that the one I purchased may in fact be the nickel plated model instead of the SS model. I understand the brass frame model is lower cost. Anyone know how I ca tell if my revolver frame is SS or nickel plated? Is there any simple test I can run on the frame to see if it is SS or nickel plating? I did not get the box with the gun.

June 23, 2019, 12:03 AM	#2
Hellgate Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Location: Orygun Posts: 869	A fair number of the nickel plated guns are brass framed. Take a magnet to the frame. If there is attraction it surely isn't brass or nickeled brass. However, not all stainless alloys are magnetic but polished steel will be magnetic. It can look like stainless or nickeled. __________________ With over 15 perCUSSIN' revolvers, I've been called the Imelda Marcos of cap & ball. SASS#3302 (Life), SASS Regulator, NRA (Life), Dirty Gamey Bastards #129 Wolverton Mtn. Peacekeepers (WA), former Orygun Cowboy (Ranger, Posse from Hell)

June 23, 2019, 12:09 PM	#5
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	The SS Pieta 58 Remington that I have is magnetic, grips a magnet tightly in multiple locations. __________________ Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee - AKA Man of Many Colts - Alter ego of Diabolical Ken; SASS Regulator 28564-L-TG; Rangemaster and stage writer extraordinaire; Frontiersman, Pistoleer, NRA Endowment Life, NMLRA, SAF, CCRKBA, STORM 327, SV115; Charter member, Central Ozarks Western Shooters Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision see things as they are, not as they should be. Ambrose Bierce

June 23, 2019, 05:45 AM	#3
CAS_Shooter Junior Member Join Date: December 12, 2012 Posts: 3	There is a small magnetic attraction to the frame, so maybe that answers the question.

June 23, 2019, 08:47 AM	#4
arcticap Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 3,166	The steel parts inside of the frame can also create a light attraction. I don't believe that Pietta uses non-magnetic stainless but then I'm not sure. I would do a comparative test with other stainless parts such as with the barrel to see if the degree of magnetism is equal across the board. Also, Pietta may be able to verify if it has a brass frame or not if you email them the serial number.