Sorry, this is not a S&W specific question.

I have a Manurhin MR73 revolver that is in very good shape, but has been shot a lot.
There is carbon deposited in the flutes of the cylinder that will not budge.

I have read that Hoppes #9 can damage or remove bluing if left on there for too long, so now I'm paranoid about soaking the cylinder in it.

Is there any other chemical or cleaner that will definitely not harm the blue, and take the carbon off?

Thanks!

The only blueing that I know about that has ever been affected by Hoppes #9, is the current factory blueing from Smith & Wesson.

Ive left a colt cylinder soaking in hoppes for a few days and it didn't hurt the blueing.It did soften the carbon,but wasn't effective on the lead

Hoppe's #9 will not harm standard gun bluing, parkerizing, or hard chrome, but can harm other finishes like bright nickel, some of the paint type finishes, or the above mentioned S&W finish.

One other method you can use is to apply a good coat of Kroil and let soak over night or longer.
Then use a clean patch with more Kroil to gently rub the area.
Kroil will infiltrate under leading and other fouling and help lift it off.

m pro 7 gun cleaner works well with a tooth brush

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viking

I had that very issue on a used 586-3 I picked up years ago. The only solution that worked for me was the judicious use of 0000 steel wool and oil, and a light touch. Took the carbon and lead right off without damaging the underlying bluing.
But as I said, USE A LIGHT TOUCH... and lots of oil.

OK, I figured it out. Soaked in Kroil overnight and scrubbed lightly with Chore Boy copper pad. Didn't scratch or damage the blue, carbon and lead came right off.

Slip2000 Carbon Killer - non toxic, not stinky, works like a charm.

Nice revolver, nice and clean. Good job..

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NRA Benefactor

Good job. Looks great.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065