[NorwichCadet]

I have never had a nickle gun and have one coming. I have read not to use Hoppes #9 but other than that anything else I need to know? Instead of Hoppes what to use? Do I clean bore and cylinder chambers the same? THANKS

 

[Primer88]

I found that RB 17 has worked very well. I had to buy it online but well worth the effort. I use it to clean the cylinder front and chambers of all my revolvers both nickel and blue. Apply with Q-Tip and let the green slime sit for a few, BTW it stinks. With a little effort it's an nice result.

 

[jrprich]

I use froglube on my nickel Python and it works just as great on all my guns

 

[Colt-SL]

You're right not to use Hoppe's on a nickel gun. Other than above advice, a lot of us like Eezox and also Breakfree CLP is good. Lots of folks use Renaissance Wax too.

 

[MtnSpur]

You're right not to use Hoppe's on a nickel gun. Other than above advice, a lot of us like Eezox and also Breakfree CLP is good. Lots of folks use Renaissance Wax too.

Agree...let's assume it's not scratched, otherwise Flitz can be used GENTLY to remove slight surface scratches. I also use Eezox (wet cleaner/dry preservative & protectant) and after it's dried will use a microfiber cloth to remove any excess to assure I have a nice clean surface, then I'll use Ren Wax to bring out the brilliant shine. Never use any product that has ammoniates as an ingredient as it will eat/loosen the nickel plate. As an aside I use the Eezox and Ren Wax routine on all my Colts and just finished up my '66 Python...man o man what a difference from oils. It's breathtakingly handsome. Having some 30+ Colts I am still playing catch up as I'm rather OCD on cleaning and got behind on a couple dozen for the wax application. My bad, nobody else to blame

 

[NorwichCadet]

OK. But how do you clean the bore and cylinder chambers? Do you use a copper brush? w/ what? THANKS

 

[MtnSpur]

The bore and cylinder can be cleaned with CLP or any non ammoniated cleaning agent for firearms. Brass brushes are softer than nickel but as with any type of metal brush care should be taken near the muzzle and the cylinder face where it's finished as you would with any firearm. Some folks do use Hoppes #9 being mindful to immediately wipe any overspray/drips off but I err on the side of caution and don't use that solvent on any of my nickel firearms. Cleaning inventory here is Kroil, CLP, Eezox and Ren wax for the outside finish after I'm happy the gun is clean.

 

[Trad Archer]

Hoppes Elite is what I use.

 

[swamprat]

Apparently I'm the only one on the forum that uses Clenzoil. Having grown up with Hoppes #9 and being addicted to it's smell.....it was hard for me to change cleaners. But Clenzoil has won me over and is my "go to" cleaner now.
Firearm Lubricants, Gun Lubricants and Machine Lubricants - Clenzoil Worldwide Since 1948 - Clenzoil Worldwide, LLC

 

[fshfindr]

Breakfree CLP does it all for me including my nickel Trooper. And my wife's furniture wax on the nickel.

 

[Hollywood]

I am curious, does anyone use Ballistol on their nickel guns for the cleaning of the interior? I understand using the wax for the exterior and such, but I don't believe Ballistol is harmful for anything, including plated surfaces. Granted, even with my blued guns, when I get done cleaning I wipe all the excess oil residue off and then give a rub down with a microfiber.

 

[ussmanlovede36]

I've used Hoppes #9 to clean every gun I own nickel or blue. for nickel guns I use a brass bore brush for the bore and chambers with Hoppes #9. never had any damage and I never let my guns soak in HOPPES or anything else, either blue or nickel. for the nickel cylinder face I use a fiber brush to scrub lightly and that also includes the inside of the cylinder window. I been cleaning guns for 39 years and never had a problem with HOPPES #9. good stuff but there could be something better I don't know about. clean on.

 

[22Short]

Sorry to show my ignorance but is it no longer considered good practice to wipe down my guns with a lightly oiled rag? Grew up doing that and never had cause to do it any other way but I've not really asked the question of others so I saw this thread and thought I should ask. It's often hard to tell when something new is just a gimic or actually is as good as or better method of doing things. I guess I need to lok into some of the things I've read about here, CLP, Eezox, Froglube, Kroil, Clenzoil. Do any of these have any negative affects on guns and are some of these just for the bore and cylinder?

I too recently bought my first nickel plated revolver and have my concerns about cleaning it. I've heard horror stories of guns losing their nickel plating and would like to avoid that at all costs.

Dave

 

[pyshtrvr]

"I am curious, does anyone use Ballistol on their nickel guns for the cleaning of the interior?"

I use it on guns I shoot black powder blanks with. Cleans the build-up. Nickel gun not very pretty, but I'm not concerned about that.

 

[Slugo]

any form of CLP including WD-40 which will never hurt the nickel finish...

 

[ssgunnip]

I found that RB 17 has worked very well. I had to buy it online but well worth the effort. I use it to clean the cylinder front and chambers of all my revolvers both nickel and blue. Apply with Q-Tip and let the green slime sit for a few, BTW it stinks. With a little effort it's an nice result.

I also use RB17. Blue Wonder is the same product under a different label. The owners of both were partners before. If you let it sit on the gun for a while, it really lossens the residue for easy cleaning.