How to clean Nickel plated guns

WilliamK · August 29, 2018, 11:15 AM

Hello,
I want to nickel plate a winchester 1894- 64 model. The reason is because I don't like the black blued appearance. I will do the receiver and perhaps the barrel.

How do you maintain and clean a nickel plated gun?
I read you need a non ammonia cleaner in case, as it may break down the copper the nickel is on top of.

I was going to get hoppes no9 but that has ammonia, what can I use?
Thank you.

Bill DeShivs · August 29, 2018, 12:53 PM

You can use any cleaner. Just don't soak the gun in it. Wipe it off after cleaning. If you use electroless nickel, there is no copper undercoat.
A copper underplate is not really necessary for electrolytic nickel, either.

Be advised-plating an old Winchester is a very bad idea....

WilliamK · August 29, 2018, 01:33 PM

Thanks for the reply.
Why is it a bad idea?

aarondhgraham · August 29, 2018, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Why is it a bad idea?

It's an irreversible modification of a semi-classic firearm,,,
It's not so much of a "bad" idea in itself,,,
It just hurts us purists to our soul.

Your gun though,,,

Aarond

.

WilliamK · August 29, 2018, 09:23 PM

Weren't winchesters nickel plated though.
I don't think it is pre-64 either.
The bluing is almost gone on this one as well. It has brown stains.

August 29, 2018, 11:15 AM	#1
WilliamK Junior Member Join Date: August 28, 2018 Posts: 4	How to clean Nickel plated guns Hello, I want to nickel plate a winchester 1894- 64 model. The reason is because I don't like the black blued appearance. I will do the receiver and perhaps the barrel. How do you maintain and clean a nickel plated gun? I read you need a non ammonia cleaner in case, as it may break down the copper the nickel is on top of. I was going to get hoppes no9 but that has ammonia, what can I use? Thank you.

August 29, 2018, 12:53 PM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,980	You can use any cleaner. Just don't soak the gun in it. Wipe it off after cleaning. If you use electroless nickel, there is no copper undercoat. A copper underplate is not really necessary for electrolytic nickel, either. Be advised-plating an old Winchester is a very bad idea.... __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

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August 29, 2018, 01:33 PM	#3
WilliamK Junior Member Join Date: August 28, 2018 Posts: 4	Thanks for the reply. Why is it a bad idea?

August 29, 2018, 09:23 PM	#5
WilliamK Junior Member Join Date: August 28, 2018 Posts: 4	Weren't winchesters nickel plated though. I don't think it is pre-64 either. The bluing is almost gone on this one as well. It has brown stains.