Solvent for cleaning nickel guns

[Rafter-S]

Gentlemen,
Please forgive me for asking such an elementary question. But I need to know what I can use to clean the exterior of nickel guns with without damaging the nickel. Specifically, cleaning the splattering caused by shooting cast lead bullets. Lead "splattering" is on the front of the cylinder and around the front of the frame where the barrel screws into it. The splattered fouling doesn't seem to come off with traditional mild solvents.

Thank you in advance,
Rafter-S

 

[Nevada Ed]

Back in the 60's my father handed me a bottle of...........

Hoppe's #9 solvent, and I have not looked back since.

 

[StakeOut]

There's a nickle Model 59 up on gunbroker that has a similar issue where the seller doesn't know how to restore it.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Lightly with flitz is what works for me.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Don't soak a nickeled gun with Hoppe's, it makes a great nickel remover.

 

[DWalt]

Hoppes has no effect upon nickel itself. Some older Hoppe's formulations will attack the copper underplate often used in nickel plating. But S&W does not use a copper underplate, the nickel is plated directly on steel. I think Colt's may have a copper underplate.

Besides, who would want to soak a revolver in Hoppe's? Never understood that or heard of anyone doing it. I have been known to soak handguns in a mineral spirits bath overnight if it is really gunked up, but mineral spirits won't hurt anything and is vastly less expensive than Hoppe's.

 

[M E Morrison]

I use Hoppes # 9, but take the time to wipe it dry before putting it away.