Just Ordered Another S&W Revolver - M19 Classic

[SWFan27]

So, I am having a very Merry Christmas and ordered my fourth Smith & Wesson revolver. I already own a 66, 686+ and a 617, all are four inch stainless steel beauties.

I just ordered a Model 19 Classic. This is also a four inch barrel, but with a blued finish. This will be my first blued revolver. Any cleaning tips to protect the finish would be greatly appreciated.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h9l2ipiKf4&t=93s"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h9l2ipiKf4&t=93s[/ame]

 

[robertrwalsh]

Stay away from anything with a high ammonia content. Don't use stainless steel brushes, including bore brushes.

 

[GunarSailors]

Never let vinegar or blood get anywhere on the bluing. Get yourself a silicone gun cloth and wipe the down after every time you handle it. Don't leave fingerprints on the bluing. Did you buy it to carry, or do you want to keep it perfect? I love a blued finish but don't holster them on a regular basis, if I carry one of my revolvers it's going to be one of my stainless guns.

 

[stansdds]

First, stainless steel or steel brushes have no place in cleaning a firearm. Brass or bronze brushes for chambers and bore. Second, S&W changed to an EPA friendly bluing (black oxide) system in 2000. This new bluing system creates a very black finish, but the finish has a reputation for turning plum color when exposed to ammonia or solvents that contain ammonia or ammonia compounds, so avoid those solvents. Vinegar should not be used as a firearms cleaning agent, it is acetic acid, it is a strong acid, and it will remove the bluing from the steel.

In short, clean it with a non-ammonia solvent, then apply a thin coat of oil or wax (pure carnuba wax, paste floor wax, or Renaissance Wax) for rust protection. If you want a one bottle solution, then Breakfree CLP for cleaning and corrosion protection. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the one bottle solution, but CLP is easy to find and easy to use.

 

[bobsguns]

I would like to add that CLP comes in two different types. One is "cleaning, lubing & protecting". The other is a long-term preservative oil, which is what I use a lot of. There's also a synthetic offering, which doesn't evaporate over time.

I've used mineral spirits in the past for cleaning. There's also an odorless blend, which is what I use now. Good old Hoppes #9 is as good as anything else for cleaning, IMO.

I have two model 19s, a 2-1/2" barrel & a 19C, with the comp. I've retired the 2-1/2" after I got the Comp model.

My .o2

 

[stansdds]

Hoppes No 9 does contain ammonia, so be warned when it comes to the current blued S&W's.

 

[Scoremaster]

Congratulations on ordering a model 19
Ballistol is a familiar smell at my house

 

[GunarSailors]

Just for clarification I wasn't suggesting vinegar should be used as a cleaning solution just that you don't want it to come in contact with the bluing. Same with blood. Lol

 

[bobsguns]

Hoppes No 9 does contain ammonia, so be warned when it comes to the current blued S&W's.

CONTAINS: Kerosene (petroleum), Ethanol, propan-2-ol, Proprietary, Proprietary, Proprietary, Proprietary,
Proprietary, Proprietary, Citronellol

This product does not contain any substances classified as PBT or vPvB.

https://www.hoppes.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-HuntShootAccessoriesSharedLibrary/default/dwbd6a431d/productPdfFiles/hoppesPdf/sds/1000-101_SDS_No_9%20-Bore_Cleaner_liquid-Revision_11_4517.pdf


The MSDS data does not list ammonia per Hoppes own web site.

I've used it for years on my blued guns with absolutely NO ill side effects. None.

 

[SWFan27]

Congratulations on ordering a model 19
Ballistol is a familiar smell at my house

At my house too. My wife will say the garage smells like pooh. And I will say nope, it is just Ballistol.