Got my first nickle plated Smith and need to clean it now. Having read Hoppes #9 horror stories with nickle, I need recommendations on what to use. Any advice appreciated.
I’ve used Hoppe’s 9 on my nickle Smith’s, as it is intended to be used.
I use it, wipe it off and then Renwax mine. No issues yet.
Is yours an original Smith finish? If so, you should be fine as they do not use a copper plating underneath their nickle. From my understanding that is when you run into issues.
Others will chime in for sure, but that is what I’ve learned on here.
Back in the day, not realizing there could be possible damage to the finish, I used Hoppe's No. 9 on Smith & Wesson nickel guns with no ill effects to the finish but I wiped off the excess Hoppe's No. 9 within a few minutes of cleaning.
I no longer use Hoppe's No. 9. Why take the risk?
The question of cleaning a nickel finish gun comes up from time to time. Here are links from Smith & Wesson Forum threads:
Nickeled 57 no dash
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