Nickel Colt

[Bullfighter]

I have a nickel plated Colt Series 80 that I picked up a number of years ago and want to do some work on it. Don't particularly care for the shiny nickel, looks like it should belong to a drug dealer from El Salvador or something. However, I don't wish to spend the money to strip it and then refinish.
Questions:
I don't believe I can have machining done with the nickel plate, is this true?

If this is the case I will be looking for an adjustable low mount sights that can be installed in the factory dovetail. Suggestions?

Also need to ditch the collet for a steel bushing, if I do this should I also replace the barrel as well while I'm at it?

Would like to flare the ejection port to stop dinging the casings (I reload) but the nickel will stop that idea. Are there other adjustments I can make to decrease or eliminate this problem.

Thanks in advance

[44 Man]

Considering that you don't care for the looks of the polished nickle, why don't you consider selling that gun to someone who would appreciate it the way it is and buy a gun that is the way you want. For what it would cost to do what you wish to, you would probably come out cheaper selling yours and buying a new or used Gold Cup. You would have adjustable sights, a solid bushing, and flared ejection port plus a very nice trigger. 44 Man

[Baldy]

I agree with 44Man. I would sell and rebuy one that had more of what I would want in a pistol. Modifying a pistol can get expensive in a hurry.

[OD*]

You might want to call Colt before you do anything. If it is a Series 80 in polished nickel and not bright stainless steel, you might be money ahead selling it and as 44 said, purchase a pistol more to your tastes.

[John]

First of all, some of the mods you want to do will damage the finish, so you will end up with an ugly gun. As others have said, why not sell it and get one like you want it?

As for adjustable rear sight that fits the factory dovetail, what sort of sight is there now on the gun?

There is no need to change the barrel just because you want to change the bushing.