Definitely keep the steel or stainless steel brushes and steel wool away from that pistol! If you need something beyond solvent, oil, rags, and maybe a soft bristle toothbrush, then bronze wool, genuine copper Choir Boy (not the imitation, plated steel wool, knock-off brands), or bronze brush and oil. Steel wool and steel brushes will scratch the finish and can embed steel particles that will rust.

If the finish is bad enough, have it re-parkerized. Contact Springfield Armory, explain the situation and story, who knows, maybe they will cut you a deal on refinishing.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA