Other than a few batches of bad factory clear-coat, I wonder what percentage of flaking issues are related to the use of harsh cleaning chemicals (including Hoppies) at some point during the life of the gun? I'll bet most. Stay with mild stuff like CLP and it won't be a problem with most clear-coated guns. My 642 has gone through years of shooting, cleaning, and carrying with no finish issues. I clean with CLP and put on an occassional coat of Johnson's Paste Wax for protection. Works for me.