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Hi Loyd, I have one nickel tactical, the gun is great. 300 rounds of WWB 230gr FMJ and runs perfectly. Surprisingly accurate. If you are hesitating Don't! Keep in mind that since its Nickel plated keep the copper solvents away from it except for the inside of the barrel. Copper solvents like Hoppes #9 can strip the finish since its copper under the nickel plate. I use CLP on mine and Hoppes #9 on all of the rest of them.

Just know that if you decide to go nickel it will never be as reflective or as durable as either bluing, color-case hardening, Parkerizing or chrome plate; but it will look good for a while (depending on use and maintenance).

Stainless will scratch just as nickel but will buff out better and will be more durable. Overall, nickel is a very durable finish-certainly moreso than bluing. It requires the same amount of care that a blued gun does, but it protects against rust much better. A properly maintained nickel finish will last surprisingly well. The Rock Islands I own are all 10mm but they are all shooters and hard to beat for the money. If that's what you want, get it!

I've had three RIA pistols, all finishes I remember being well done and would happily invest in a Nickel plated RIA pistol still today.

The Rock nickel finish is very good and keep in mind that if you have a problem with a Armscor (rock Island Armory gun) they have some of the best customer service in the industry. which is one of the reasons I own 6 of the 1911s the other reason is that they are SHOOTERS