I just purchased a J-frame 442, and I've been online seeking the best way to clean it and there are lots of contradictory answers/theories. The owner's manual (more of a pamphlet, really) is pretty vague.

The general consensus seems to be to use Hoppe's #9 to clean out the barrel and charge holes, etc. and use the Breakfree CLP for the gun's exterior...that this won't harm the guns black finish.

This gun will be used for CCW, so I expect wear and a few scratches, I just don't want to accelerate any finish problems because I did something stupid.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

thats how/use to clean my 637 clp on the frame #9 on bore and cylinder. heck after its clean i wax the frame with mothers car wax.

Hoppes is a great cleaning product, as is Break Free. Some people use the break free exclusively as both a cleaner and lubricant. I like and use both products, however for a concealed carry gun I suggest eezox. It dries to the touch, and leaves a protective film, so it won't be slippery should you need to use the gun. A few years back, I saw a salt spray test somewhere here on the internet, and eezox did outperform the break free.

Just my 2 cents.

Thanks...much appreciated!

They will work fine for your gun.

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Take it easy. Chris

I've used both the Hoppes and the Breakfree CLP and they are fine, but you might want to take a look at Gunzilla. It is a great product with little to no odor (unlike Hoppes). A gun treated with Gunzilla is far easier to clean after shooting than anything else I have tried, and I have tried many other products than the ones you are asking about. My guns just seem to clean up quicker and with less effort using Gunzilla. It is safe for all finishes and is made of all-natural ingredients. Might be hard to find depending on where you are, but worth looking for.

Big +1, We were given Break Free CLP at the academy to clean our p2000's and the barrel and feed ramp were always a chore requiring a lot of wire brush use. After one of our qualifications at the station there was a bottle of gunzilla in the cleaning room. I put some on the feed ramp and the carbon just wiped right off with a rag. It worked just as good cleaning the M4's. It does have an odor but it's not strong or unpleasant. It does not harm polymer frames either.

I just ordered some direct from the manufacturer (Top Duck Products, LLC., Creators of Superzilla and Gunzilla) late on Friday afternoon....It shipped from Michigan and arrived here in Texas on Monday. I got the small spray bottle and the large bottle for refills....also going to try some of the copperzilla.

Thanks! I'll check into the gunzilla. I just want to take care of this gun, like I do my motorcycle and car...neither of which are trailer/garage queens, just real-world stuff that will experience real-world bumps, scratches and dings.