Questions on a H&R M733 in .32 S&W Long
 

I have recently acquired a H&R M-733 in .32 S&W Long. It is in like-new condition and belonged to my in-laws. I am thinking about cutting the hammer down to make it a DA only, back-up carry gun. The H&R 733 has a "brushed nickle" finish.
My question is this, is the gun truly "brushed nickle" or actually "nickle plated," which would require some cosmetic repair to the hammer?