Best Cleaner for 442/438 Finish?

[MaxS]

I've read that I shouldn't use Hoppe's solvent on the 442 or 438. So what is safe to use?
Thanks for the help.

 

[ridgewalker]

M Pro 7 gun cleaner and gun oil work very well.

 

[ADP3]

I quit using solvents a number of years ago for general cleaning and switched to Kroil. I have several 442's and they look pretty much like new except for the cylinder turn ring. I run a soaked patch through the bore and chambers and the let the gun sit for an hour. I then use a stiff wire-handle nylon bristle brush to scrub the bore and chambers. After that I hit all of the surfaces in the frame window and the ratchet with a GI "toothbrush". A few clean, dry patches through the bore and chambers, a quick wipe down of the gun with a clean rag and I'm done. Every now and then I have some leading. I take strands from a COPPER "Chore Bore" scrub pad and wrap them around a worn wire-handle nylon brush. This quickly removes the leading. I don't use Kroil as a lubricant but it works great for cleaning.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[Lou_NC]

Prolix is a great all-around cleaner and is easy on finishes: PrOlix Lubricants Home Page

Lou

 

[Bat Guano]

I've used Vietnam era GI bore cleaner or Ed's Red in my 442 and everything else for years now. No big deal.

 

[doc84]

I think that I've used just about every type of cleaner and lube at some point. With the exception of suppressors, everything gets cleaned and lubed with non petro/non tox stuff. For the CLP tasks Slip 2000 EWL, Fireclean and Rand are the three bottles that are in the rotation now. All have been used on the aluminum frame S&W products without issue. FWIW the Rand seems do the best in the L department. Fireclean and Rand seem to do the best in the P department. Slip cleans the best. None of them have a huge edge over one another with handguns to warrant a specific preference.

 

[shot1971]

Frog lube--It's Great stuff!

 

[S&W Fan]

M Pro 7 gun cleaner and gun oil work very well.

Count me as another fan of M Pro 7. I use it exclusively on all my firearms regardless of finish, have for years, no ill effects, great cleaner.

 

[JohnHancock]

I switched to M Pro 7 and FrogLube after some bluing issues with my 442. Being a Hoppes user for years, I was very impressed with the non-toxic approach. I still use Hoppes when I clean my shotgun just for the smell!