S&W Model 642 maintenance

[CWO USN]

I purchased a new S&W Model 642, .38 special +P a couple of months ago. Estimate less than 200 rounds expended at the gun range. I clean it after every use with Birchwood Gun Scrubber and sparingly apply S&W Advanced Gun Oil for lubricity and corrosion protection.

Last week after use at the local gun range, I noticed that the cylinder and frame had "powder burns." A little elbow grease and Birchwood got the frame clean but there are some nagging powder burn marks in and around the cylinder.

Any suggestion on how I can remove these?

 

[CWO USN]

I purchased a new S&W Model 642, .38 special +P a couple of months ago. Estimate less than 200 rounds expended at the gun range. I clean it after every use with Birchwood Gun Scrubber and sparingly apply S&W Advanced Gun Oil for lubricity and corrosion protection.

Last week after use at the local gun range, I noticed that the cylinder and frame had "powder burns." A little elbow grease and Birchwood got the frame clean but there are some nagging powder burn marks in and around the cylinder.

Any suggestion on how I can remove these?

 

[NavJAG06]

I have used Hoppes 9 in the cylinder and the barrel as well as the ejector rod and let it set for about 10-15 minutes and then wipe off and repeat. I then use either a light swipe of rem oil or Hoppes oil to finish the job. I have shot well over 350 rounds and no powder burns in or around the cylinder. The 642 out of the box does have a darkened outline on the front part of the cylinder around each chamber. This is a coloration from the factory and not a powder burn. After I first shot the 642 I noticed this and thought it was a thin layer of powder around each chamber of the cylinder. On closer inspection I noticed that it was a factory process and not a powder burn. Fair winds and following seas, CWO.

 

[CWO USN]

Thank you for pointing out the darkened outline as a factory finish. You're spot-on.

I will give Hoppes 9 a try next time I PMS my pistolas.

Pride runs deep, NavJAG06. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

 

[NavJAG06]

Happy to help. Have a happy and blessed Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year.

 

[handgunner356]

You can use a "Lead Wipe" cloth on the front of the cylinder, just don't use them on blued guns.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by CWO USN:
I purchased a new S&W Model 642, .38 special +P a couple of months ago. Estimate less than 200 rounds expended at the gun range. I clean it after every use with Birchwood Gun Scrubber and sparingly apply S&W Advanced Gun Oil for lubricity and corrosion protection.

Last week after use at the local gun range, I noticed that the cylinder and frame had "powder burns." A little elbow grease and Birchwood got the frame clean but there are some nagging powder burn marks in and around the cylinder.

Any suggestion on how I can remove these?

Why bother? They don't harm anything, and removal is not necessary for any purpose apart from trying to make it look unfired, and everyone knows it is fired because no thinking person would carry an unfired gun.

 

[allglock]

Originally posted by shawn mccarver:

Originally posted by CWO USN:
I purchased a new S&W Model 642, .38 special +P a couple of months ago. Estimate less than 200 rounds expended at the gun range. I clean it after every use with Birchwood Gun Scrubber and sparingly apply S&W Advanced Gun Oil for lubricity and corrosion protection.

Last week after use at the local gun range, I noticed that the cylinder and frame had "powder burns." A little elbow grease and Birchwood got the frame clean but there are some nagging powder burn marks in and around the cylinder.

Any suggestion on how I can remove these?

Why bother? They don't harm anything, and removal is not necessary for any purpose apart from trying to make it look unfired, and everyone knows it is fired because no thinking person would carry an unfired gun.

They are fired at the factory... so there is really no such thing as an "unfired gun".