Care of the black finish on SW1911TA

[Kytann]

So I have a new SW1911TA, and I want to keep the black finish looking nice for years to come. What lubes and chemicals should I use for cleaning? What should I stay away from?

I own some CLP and some Rem-oil. Either of these OK to use?

Noob question, I know, but I wanted to keep the pretty black and wood combination looking good.

 

[M29since14]

I just shoot mine with Sheath and wipe it down before it goes in the gun rug. It never goes anywhere but the range and right now it's a couple years old and still looks like new. I don't think the finish requires any special care. If the gun goes in and out of a holster frequently, it's going to wear eventually. If used and stored carefully, probably any decent rust preventative will work fine. Nothing wrong with Rem-Oil, that I can tell.

 

[Kytann]

I just shoot mine with Sheath ...

What's "Sheath"

 

[M29since14]

It is a very good rust preventative made by Birchwood Casey. Read the instructions before you use it. It has to be used correctly for best effectiveness. It has a little Alox in it, which some guys dislike. Personally, I think it is great for finishes like on your 1911TA, but I am no corrosion engineer. I use it on everything and it works fine for me.

Smells good too - but the war department probably won't care for it.

 

[t-bird]

No special care needed. I have a PD with the same finish that I got in 07. It has over 7 K rds through it now and looks great. Only been cleaned and lubed with CLP. Even the rails look new. Best of luck and enjoy, S&W builds a great 1911.

 

[3dots]

I've said this before in other posts and people may think I crazy. I use it all my guns including poly frames. It's regular old ChapStick. Put some on your fingers and rub it on very, very thin. It makes for a deep rich black and stays put. Not oily and tends to blend any imperfections that may exist. Try it on spot if you don't believe me.

 

[Kytann]

Makes sense to me. I have heard of people using Chap-stick before going to the range, then the soot just wipes off easily.

Anyway, Chap stick is wax, so you're basically waxing your gun, same as you would wax your car.
For that matter, I wonder about using Automotive waxes? They dry pretty hard and protective.

 

[3dots]

Yeah, only difference is the Chap Stick doesn't dry hard, just kind of a luster and feel to it.