Best solvent / cleaner for nickel finish

[guitar1580]

I'm soon to own my first nickel S&W. I've read that my old favorite Hoppes 9 solvent should not be used on nickel.

While I've read that it is ok as long as the finish is not chipped, etc., I'd rather not take any chances. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good ammonia free solvent that is 100% safe for nickel? Any other good cleaning / care suggestions for nickel would be well appreciated.

Josh P

 

[NE450No2]

Try a product called Prolix. It cleans lubricates and preserves.

Prolix Lubricants Home Page

It is good stuff.

 

[zercool]

I clean most of my guns with Ed's Red. Mix my own, or you can purchase it pre-mixed from Brownell's.

Equal parts 1K Kerosene, DexronII ATF, acetone, and mineral spirits. Reeks like death (I only use it OUTSIDE), but it cleans like nobody's business.

 

[XTrooper]

I use Hoppe's Elite Gun Cleaner. I originally bought it strictly for cleaning my nickel-plated guns. However, I found it did such a great job that I now use it to clean all my firearms.

Oh, and rather than "reeking like death," it's completely odorless!

http://www.hoppes.com/products/elite_gun_cleaner.html

 

[szuppo]

Big +1 on the Ed's Red. I mixed up about 5 gallons about 5 years ago.
Cleans better then anything I have tried.

 

[Jebus35745]

Good post. Just bought a nickle 3 1/2 27. Its in nice shape and when I wipe it down after shooting will the Breakfree LP I have be OK to use. Don't really want to buy more products if what I have will be ok. Larry

 

[buckeyeshooter1]

I use breakfree on my nickel guns

 

[kennyb]

yet another for breakfree...

 

[586nickel]

bump to the top on this one. would like to hear from some more folks. i use break free on all my guns (nickel, stainless and blued), but that is all I have ever used. it does ok but would like to see if there is anything else out there that works better.

 

[cochise]

I use CLP break free or Kano oil.

 

[srsmyth]

I tried M-Pro 7 at the recommendation of my reloading shop and it cleans well and is odorless too. They advertise it to be harmless to all metal surfaces. I like it.
Steve

 

[cptdco]

I used the dreaded Hoppes #9 for years on nickel guns with no ill effects but recently started mixing my own Ed's Red. Works fine.

 

[What the]

Another vote for CLP....I use Flitz metal polish from time to time as well...it gets the nickel very clean and shiny making after shoot cleaning a bit easier. You will get ring around the cylinder when you shoot,it is very hard to get clean and is not worth trying too hard to remove. Accept it embrace it learn to like the way it looks.

Have Fun With Your Gun Son!!

 

[Doc44]

I use Clenzoil on all of my firearms and have had great results for many years. Safe on blue, nickel, wood, etc.

Bill

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

best solvent

I tried M-Pro 7 at the recommendation of my reloading shop and it cleans well and is odorless too. They advertise it to be harmless to all metal surfaces. I like it.
Steve

I concur with Steve. I have been using the product for many years for my own collection and before retired used them on all of the departments firearms. The cleaner leaves the metal clean and acts as a degreaser. It is earth friendly and oderless. They have a new lub that is for long term and provides the necessary lubricant for tactical firearms as well. I recommend it to my students and supply them with a brochure and sample cleaner and oil. If the military and law enforcement uses the product, you know it works well.

Nick

 

[hazman]

I use Ballistol followed by Mothers Mag Polish on all my guns except my "black guns", they just get Ballistol. It does a super job !.