Man that thread that ran with all of the pictures of those mature (dont wont to say old out of respect) top breaks was magnificent. I have a question about cleaning for the forum. What type solvents do you like for bore and cylinder cleaning? Hoppe's #9? If so for a deep cleaning do you lightly saturate the bore with Hoppe's and leave on overnight or a few hours etc then bronze clean it with a rod?...I like hearing everyones input into this subject. I like taking care of my belongings.
If your old Smith has a nickel finish DO NOT use Hoppes # 9 or any other bore cleaner with amonia in them. If there is a scratch or worn spot on the finish the cleaner will get under the nickel and lift it off. Never use ammonia cleaners with nickel.
I think cleaning depends on how dirty or corroded the gun is. I clean my older guns the same as my newer guns. I do use Hoppe's 9 on blued guns. but don't let soak long periods. I use break free or Corrosion X on mildly dirty guns, and very little lube inside. I do like Renaissance wax for the outside of the guns that I do not use regularly.
If you shoot black powder water and soap should be enough. I take of the grip panels and soak it in hot water. Run a few patches soaked in soap and a few dry ones. Soak it again. Then I give it a real good amount of motoroil. Dry of the surface and replace the grips. I have a few old timers, both top breaks and a few remingtons, never any issues by doing it that way. Once in a while I use a bronse brush and some kind of solvent.
Cleaning the old top break
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