cleaning airweight 642 alluminum J frame

[evanrn1983]

I got an airweight J frame. My friend told me that he has used cleaners in the past that destroyed to coating on the frame? I also have seen people post on their forum that some cleaning agents can destroy the coating...What do u recommend to clean the frame? Is it true that the cylinder is stainless steel, so u can clean it with anything?

This is what I currently use to clean.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=840573

I use this to clean inside the barrel and inside the cylinder
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=126157

 

[Robert B]

Hoppes Elite and Lead Away and MPRO7

I use Hoppes Elite to clean the entire revolver. Lead Away to clean the face of the cylinder. MPRO7 or Breakfree CLP for rust prevention when I'm done. Hoppes Elite is ammonia free. Lead Away is only used on the stainless cylinder. MPRO7 or Breakfree CLP was recommended by S&W. Don't let sweat get on the mim parts like the thumbpiece or trigger as they will rust.

 

[649 Bodyguard]

I was looking at one of those guns today in a gun shop. It looks like a very nice gun. He said the barrel and the cylinder is stainless steel. To clean the frame, I would call Smith & Wesson tomorrow to find out what they say to use on the gun. I`d rather be safe than sorry.

 

[kbm6893]

Unless they have changed the finish (and I hope they have), my 642 (which I traded away) had a very delicate finish. I used to use CLP on the whole thing, and I had a seperate cleaning kit for it so no other cleaner residue would come in contact with it. Gunscrubber will take it right off. Even with all this care, I sent it back twice to S&W for refinishing. Main area affected was on the hump of the gun, where the hammer would be. The clearcoat finish sucks, and should not be used on a product from S&W, who otherwise is known for quality.

 

[photoman]

I use MPro7 with no ill effects to the finish on my 642's.

Mine working guns get beat up anyway from carry so I'm not much concerned about the clear finish.

 

[Person]

I have had a 642-1 for about a year and half. I have used Hoppes and CLP and neither have affected the finish The only problems I have is where I scratched the finish myself and a couple of spots from pocket carrying.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Unless they have changed the finish (and I hope they have), my 642 (which I traded away) had a very delicate finish. I used to use CLP on the whole thing, and I had a seperate cleaning kit for it so no other cleaner residue would come in contact with it. Gunscrubber will take it right off.
...

Gun Scrubber will also remove the clearcoat finish on a Ruger "All Weather" 10-22. Instantly. Fortunately, I tested a tiny spot that would be under the scope mount.

They also make a Synthetic Safe Gun Scrubber that did not harm my Ruger clearcoat, but your gun might be different...

 

[IvanW]

Try Gunzilla. It is very mild, but does a great job keeping things clean.

 

[lemeni]

Another vote for Hoppes Elite.