Being a big fan of the 41 Magnum, I purchased a NIB current model 57. Shot like a dream...then I cleaned it. Used Hoppes on bore and cylinder charging holes and CLP on rest of gun. Immediately notice the bluing coming of the cylinder. Did not know what caused this. Called S&W customer service and was told they changed their bluing process and not to use Hoppes 9 as it will remove the finish. I have been using Hoppes for as many years as I can remember and never had a problem with my blued Smiths. I was absolutely dumb struck looking at my brand new, very expensive 57. The rest of the 57, entire frame was just like new. I sent it off to S&W for review of what happened and what I can do. Currently my other 41 is the Scandium/Titanium 4 inch that shoots like a dream. I know that the titanium cylinder can be an issue for cleaning, but I have not had a problem in several years of use. Being careful with most things I do, cant quite accept this mistake. Still a fan of Smith as I have several and will continue to shoot and clean as Smith informs me. Thanks for listening.
Huge mistake with new 57!!
- Thread starter GJS
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That's just crazy!
If that really is the case in the bluing change, it would seem the least they should have done would be to include a disclaimer as such in their instructions/new owner pamphlet.
Most of us have been using that product for eons.
If that really is the case in the bluing change, it would seem the least they should have done would be to include a disclaimer as such in their instructions/new owner pamphlet.
Most of us have been using that product for eons.
The sound you just heard was my jaw hitting the floor.
If indeed S&W has made their current blued models so fragile that Hoppes 9 will strip the bluing that easily... that is just unconscionable.
So what does S&W condone using... Johnson's baby soap?
If indeed S&W has made their current blued models so fragile that Hoppes 9 will strip the bluing that easily... that is just unconscionable.
So what does S&W condone using... Johnson's baby soap?
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Wow. I can't believe they would use a bluing process like that. I can't see me buying one.
What are they using, cold blue?
Mod 57 bluing
I was told by a friend who owns an Italian single action (can't recall the mgr..) anyway, they told him that their 'charcoal blue' premium option should never be cleaned with Hoppes #9 because it will remove/deteriorate the bluing. I wonder if S&W is using something similar....and WHY. Anxious for more info on this one.
J
I was told by a friend who owns an Italian single action (can't recall the mgr..) anyway, they told him that their 'charcoal blue' premium option should never be cleaned with Hoppes #9 because it will remove/deteriorate the bluing. I wonder if S&W is using something similar....and WHY. Anxious for more info on this one.
J
CatboatWilly
Member
Wow, With so many blue guns, this post scares the cra* out of me !
What's safe and recomended these days ????????????
What's safe and recomended these days ????????????
Yes preferably the no tears fragrance free kind.
I would think dehydrated water would be safe?
This is a sad story. I've use Hoppes #9 on about all finishes of guns, even very carefully in the bore and chambers of a nickel plated gun, without problems.
Hopefully this problem gets resolved.
John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training
rburg
Member
At the risk of running afoul of the rules against bashing the new production guns..... The best advice is to purchase an older M57 and shoot it and clean it as we always have.
Remember the early M16s? No need to clean them because they didn't need it, so they didn't even supply things like a bore brush or cleaning rod. And when they all started failing in the jungle, the early fix was chrome plating. Finally the military gave in and began supplying traditional cleaning tools.
No the maker produces a product that won't hold up to cleaning. This has been a process over at least the last 15+ years. The titanium cylinder will always have burn stains. Before that it took heroic lengths to clean a stainless gun. Maybe us old guys are wrong. Guns weren't made to be cleaned. Just shoot until it seizes up and then buy a new one.
Remember the early M16s? No need to clean them because they didn't need it, so they didn't even supply things like a bore brush or cleaning rod. And when they all started failing in the jungle, the early fix was chrome plating. Finally the military gave in and began supplying traditional cleaning tools.
No the maker produces a product that won't hold up to cleaning. This has been a process over at least the last 15+ years. The titanium cylinder will always have burn stains. Before that it took heroic lengths to clean a stainless gun. Maybe us old guys are wrong. Guns weren't made to be cleaned. Just shoot until it seizes up and then buy a new one.
nawilson
US Veteran
That's like making a car you aren't supposed to clean with water...
I did not take a picture prior to sending it to S&W. Maybe I should have...The bluing was so weak it literally came off with just a light wiping. The S&W representative explained this process in detail and I was so caught off guard, I could literally not respond. I tried to explain that does not make sense and maybe this one was just improperly processed. He said no that's just the way they are made. This one had the bright blue or what ever it is called. I personally was going to buy the 25 and 27, now I wish I never bought this one let alone compound my situation. The rep blamed the EPA new standards, but still why would they produce something so poor. I still hold out hope that this was a poor quality control issue. I does not seem that way. Time will tell as they will have it back this Thursday. He also stated that rebluing was back logged for at least 7 months. I was caught off guard and was in such disbelief I was left speechless. Oh well, I still have many stainless models which I appreciate. Thanks once again.
Is this a joke? I cannot believe this is a legitimate issue! Surely not!
PA Guns & Ammo
Member
I have a model 18-7 which I believe is a 2012 gun and I used Hoppe's on it with zero issues.
James
James
If this truly is what we have come to it must be the beginning of the end. When I bought my first S&W in 1969 I used to clean it and leave it wrapped in a rag that contained enough Hoppe's Nr. 9 that I never worried about it corroding in the humid Indiana summers - and it never did. The finish of that gun still looks like new today, with the exception of the ordinary user-caused wear and tear (where it touched its holster).
I hope S&W can get your 57 back in decent shape for you. Maybe it was just a poor prep job and it will be better when it comes back? I sure hope so.
I hope S&W can get your 57 back in decent shape for you. Maybe it was just a poor prep job and it will be better when it comes back? I sure hope so.
Vulcan Bob
Member
If this is indeed the case I would suspect EPA involvement.
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