How to spot a re-nickel
 

No, I don't have any idea. I was hoping one of you guys would.
I am about to receive a gun that is either a fantastic deal because the nickel is original, or a complete rape because it's been redone, and I don't have a clue how to tell the difference.

David, it is difficult. First try to see if there are any pits that seem to have been nickled over. Look for the buffing marks but those are usually not there as they can strip the blue chemically before they paint.

Know the characteristics of the pistol you are looking at . The early 1910 Browning shown here should not have the safety and trigger chromed. Other than that there is almost no tell tales of the chroming. The chrome has been on the gun since circa 1946.

Another view

one more

Also, do your homework and know if that particular model was ever issued from the factory in nickel. I once had a beautifully nickeled Remington 51, however I found out after I bought it that Remington only made that model in blued finish. :rolleyes: