Solvents on polymers?

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ilikepancakes

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Hi all, recently purchased my first polymer frame handgun. So far very pleased with it! I have a question about cleaning though:

I've always used Hoppe's 9 solvent on my firearms. Is it ok to keep using this or will it eventually eat the polymer?

I'm assuming it's fine for now since the solvent comes in a plastic bottle but I'm mostly concerned about my gun's long-term health. If it keeps performing well I want to keep it around for more than a few years.
 
pancakes:

(Welcome aboard!)

In so far as practically everybody who knows anything about a gun knows about Hoppe's, I would be shocked to hear that it was bad for a Tuppergun....

I've got several, and haven't had a problem.

I would suggest not leaving the stuff on the gun too much - wipe it clean (there's little lubricant action in it anyway) and put a decent lubricant on the gun in it's place, though, just to be safe.

All bets are off, of course, if you're into other solvents.

My late uncle (and VP of the former day job) once asked our chemist for some solvent to kick-start a cheap ballpoint pen. Ended up with spaghetti.... You do need to be a little more specific :D....

Regards,
 
The polymer used in gun parts is usually pretty solvent-resistant. I definately wouldn't leave the stuff on there long though, just in case.

While you do hear of polymer parts breaking occasionally, I don't think it's ever been solvent-related. Hoppe's should be fine, it works great but it's not as potent as some of the newer foul-smelling stuff.

EDIT:
I use brake parts cleaner on my handguns, but I make sure to buy the NON-CHLORINATED kind. IIRC, there is some kind of warning on the chlorinated stuff about plastics or rubber trim...so I stay away from it. The non-chlorinated kind has not hurt my XDM9.
 
I would recommend against long term contact with oils or solvents on a plastic frame.

Just use the solvent to remove powder residue and wipe the stuff off.
 
SMMAssociates - "a Tuppergun"?

That's the best thing I've heard all week! :D:D
 
Thanks for the replies! Now I can sleep easy knowing my gun is both clean and not turning into soup. Two good qualities to have in a firearm.
 
I have had problems with discoloration using Gun Scrubber from Birchwood. It was on some older polymer and I haven't seen it happen with my newer pistols, but I have been extra careful with using it since.

In terms of Hoppe's, I have had nothing but positive results. They make a fine product.
 
I have had problems with discoloration using Gun Scrubber from Birchwood. It was on some older polymer and I haven't seen it happen with my newer pistols, but I have been extra careful with using it since.
Click to expand...

As mentioned, there is more than one formula of gunscrubber - one is safe for polymers and the other one not. Pay attention to the label when purchasing.
 
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