Is a CZ-75 Nickel the same as the stainless?

[Steveindajeep]

One dealer I talked too says they are one in the same?
           
            I would think they are different with different part numbers as well?

[Walt-Sherrill]

The dealer doesn't know what he's talking about.  (Why am I not suprised?)
           
            Nickel guns are just standard guns with a satin nickel finish.  CZ has been trying to phase that finish out, but still hasn't done so.
           
            The stainless 75Bs are subtly different, with Ambi-safeties and available in 9mm only.  You can get nickel in a number of different guns and calibers (including .40 and .45).  (The 97Bs in nickel were a special production run; not generally available.)

[Steveindajeep]

Thanks Walt. What he was telling sure didnt sound right to me either.

[Steveindajeep]

Which one is more durable? Corrosion resistant?

[SDDLUP]

Steve,
           
            While the nickle may look similar it is only a thin layer over the steel and can be damaged by ammonia based cleaners. I think a true hard chrome would be the next best thing to stainless. It is not uncommon for pre-B guns to get hard chromed either when the finish gets worn or when the owner just wants an upgrade.
           
            The advantage of stainless is that it's not a finish, but a corrosion resistant steel. Stainless is however softer than regular grades of steel used in firearms, and more susceptible to galling. Just be sure to use proper lubrication and it should never be a problem. I have a lot of stainless steel firearms and have never had a problem because of them being stainless steel. I was once told by a gunsmith that stainless barrels are less prone to throat erosion than regular barrels. I haven't done the research to see if that is true, but for me the advantages of stainless steel outweigh any minor disadvantages.
           
            Also the stainless 75B has an ambidextrous safety and they are VERY nice looking guns!

[Walt-Sherrill]

Any "finish" is less likely to be as durable as stainless steel, but even stainless steel isn't perfect.  It can even rust -- but it much less likely to do so that blued steel.
           
            If you like the look of the stainless CZs (I don't), that's the way to go.
           
            I've not seen a CZ nickel finish damaged, yet, and I have several.  Seems to be among the most durable of the finishes (Hard chrome is better.)
           
            Nickel can be a problem with ammonia-based cleaners, if one of the underlayers is copper (used to be very common); CZs don't have a copper base, so ammonia is not a problem with them.

[Steveindajeep]

well stainless being a base metal for the gun seems like a more logical choice. Im gonna order a stainless, My local dealer has it for 479. That seemed pretty fair to me.