[ibcguy]

Thanks to those whose contributed to my thread on the S&W 357 PD (down below).

I went ahead and purchased the PD, it should be here in about a week. In the meantime I'm having fun loading up on accessories. I've heard the Sc/Ti components are hard to clean. Anything special I need to use or avoid when cleaning? I mostly use Hoppes w/rem oil or just CLP on my "regular" guns.

Can anyone recommend a decent non-leather holster w/ retaining strap. The Bianchis looked decent but I know nothing about them.

Thanks,
IBCGUY

[unspellable]

The so called "scandium" guns are not made of scandium. It's an aluminum alloy with a pinch of scandium as an additive. As such, it can be treated like any other aluminum alloy as far as cleaning goes.

[WC145]

Check with S&W on cleaners, I believe there's some that will discolor the titanium.

[jcramin]

I have a SW1911SC and its easy to clean. I hopes hops and thats it works great.

[Kleanbore]

Saw something about using only a nylon brush or else...may apply to a different variant but worth your while to check.

[Schofield3]

I have had no issues cleaning my 340pd with CLP and RemOil, I clean it as carefully as any of my other firearms. And while you’re in the market for non-leather holsters may I recommend BlackHawk, one with Serpa 2 retention, fantastic holsters..

[Willy G.]

I got this for the 442.
http://www.unclemikesle.com/product_images/8600_3600sprBltSldeHidnHmr.png
It's an Uncle Mikes Super Belt slide.
But in my opinion nothing beats a pocket holster for pocket or IWB.

[jfh]

Per S&W Recommendations, I clean my scandium-frame guns (M&P 340, 360, NG386) with Hoppe's Elite Products and CLP.

All mine have steel cylinders, and I shoot mostly lead (re)loads.

The Elite Bore Cleaner (gel) works fine if you chase it with a Scrubbee patch over a .400 nylon brush. All brushing is done with a bronze brush on the interior frame cuts, and with a HD nylon brush on the external surfaces.

For the cylinder, I use a HD .400 nylon brush and the patch rotating it in a battery-powered drill.

Lead buildup on the cylinder front is removed with one of the typical lead remover cloths.

The finishes do discolor on the cylinder front, even with exhaustive scrubbing--it appears that the finish may be a bit porous--but the general external finish has remained fine.

Jim H.