Another 'caveat emptor' - Hoppes #9's ammonia content can damage Melonite finishes - like the new Governor has. This is from a S&W CS rep in a call today. Is nothing sacred? I don't consider a firearm clean without the Hoppes #9 stench. Even at 63, I guess I am never too old to 'learn'. Hoppes 'Elite' is okay, according to the S&W CS guy.
Stainz
Since melonite is not a "finish," but a metal treatment, I just cannot see how this is accurate. Melonite is a QPQ process and is apparently the same process as Tenifer used by Glock. There have been threads on this topic and indeed, the company that pioneered the QPQ process seems to own both trade names.
In any event, Melonite makes the steel hard and is not a covering or finish in the sense of blue, nickel, cerakote, NP3, etc.
If it helps at all, I have used nothing but Hoppes No. 9 on all guns, including the 642, since the beginning of my shooting, which is now more than 40 years ago. Since it is a solvent, not a lube, naturally, after brushing out the barrel, chamber or charge holes, and any other areas, Hoppes No. 9 is completely wiped off. This is followed by a light coat of Break Free CLP. I have never suffered ANY ill effects. On the other hand, I do not submerge, I do not let Hoppes No. 9 remain on any part longer than the few minutes it takes to clean. And, I do NOT clean after each shooting session, but only every so often. Lube, yes. Clean no. It just isn't needed with modern non-corrosive primers and ammo.
As to Hoppes No. 9, it has been well known for as long as I have been shooting that it is not to be allowed to stand for extended periods on nickel or other plated finishes, so that much is not news.
