That's what they told me today when I called about the clear coat on my 642 which seems to be wearing off in areas. I had heard different opinions about whether this was a warranty item or not so I decided to call and ask. First thing he asked me was what did I clean with. When I mentioned Hoppes he said that was the worst thing to use since it was amonia based and would attack the finish. He quoted me a figure to refinish the gun($200) and said I would have to ship it on my dime. When I asked if they would put a different finish on it (say....black) since this one doesn't hold up he said no because they would have to change the model number and they wouldn't do that. Huh? I wonder what the people at Hoppes will think now that their product can no longer be used on the most popular revolver out there? Maybe all this is normal and I just haven't been aware of it until now. Somebody clue me in.