Can I use Hoppes on a Nickel Finish?

[chief38]

Well like I said, since I learned that the Hoppes is suppose to be bad for Nickel I have stopped using it - probably 10 or so years ago, but when I did use it, I used the #9 standard NOT the Copper Remover with the black label.

Surprisingly enough, NEVER had a problem with the stuff on Nickel.

Now I use RIG #2 Oil. GREAT STUFF!!!!!

 

[Jack Flash]

I remember a thread like this from some time back, in which a gentleman quoted Roy Jinks to the effect that S&W never used copper under nickel in its plating process.

Perhaps it's time to ask Roy about this again, as I'm sure he would know. Possibly this information could then be added to an FAQ or sticky or ...

 

[Lenny_D]

It's funny that this subject just came up. I was just reading the label on my bottle of Hoppes #9 yesterday as I was cleaning a handgun and it says right on the label that it should NOT be used with nickle.

 

[Gman56]

With so many better cleaning products available today, why anyone would still use Hoppes is beyond me.
Maybe the bought a huge jug of it way back when..

Maybe it does what it is supposed to do. I have used hoppes on all of my firearms it always cleaned the bore and removed powder fouling.I like to use hoppes bench rest copper solvent cleans very well. On bores with heavy copper deposits leave it in overnite job is done!Yes there is cleaning solvents that clean as well but I know with hoppes it will not harm the bore!

 

[dwpmusic]

I've got my first nickel Smith, (27-2 6") due in today. Since buying it I've read so much about what and what not to use in cleaning the nickel finish that I'm almost paranoid about even taking it to the range. Right now, in my cleaning arsenal, I've got Hoppe's Elite, M-Pro 7, Rem Oil, Ballistol and some Birchwood Casey Polishing Cloths. I didn't buy it to just look at it. Everybody seems to have "the" answer in cleaning a nickel finish. Can't find any reference to nickel on the Hoppe's Elite. Guess I'll just have to play it by ear. There does seem to be a consensus about staying away from Hoppe's No.9. I would be less than happy to ruin the nickel finish on this pistol.

 

[JCS&W]

dwpmusic, congrats on your M27-2 nickel. I cannot say that I am an expert on nickel finishes. I have several and all I can tell you is what I do to clean and protect them. Prolix is safe for nickel finishes, period. No guess work, it is safe. There may be others as well. I use Prolix, to clean, Flitz to polish, and Renisannce Wax to protect the finish. I am not saying that is the only way, just the way I clean, polish and protect my nickel Smiths.

 

[roadhog96]

I just checked the label on a bottle of Hoppes #9 bench rest solvent for removing lead, copper, etc. and all it says is to wipe dry stocks and nickel after cleaning. No warning about damage but there has to be a reason why they say to wipe it dry.