Is it possible to remove chrome plating from a pistol? (could be nickel)

Yes. Send it to APW, they are a plating shop specializing in firearms, they'll electrically strip it for not too much money. My 257 WBY was a hard chrome 338 winmag when I got it, barrel was toast so I sent them the action because the bead blast cabinet wouldn't touch the stuff. They had it back to me in the white in about 10 days for around $50.

Just remember that you're removing metal which could result in excessive tolerance - depending. A popular way to tighten up loose inexpensive semi-autos was to chrome plate.

Mark, The kid is right. A plating shop can eliminate the chrome build up. I don't think you will have excessive clearance afterwards unless it was worn before plating. It is a simple process and I have had it done in the past.