I have one, installed behind my head board, it holds a Walther .380PP. it is very strong but with a firm grip and a twist the gun comes clear. So far I can see no damage to the finish and since that is the only place and use for that gun it works very well. But a little confession, I do keep a piece of cloth between the gun and the magnet, a piece of black felt ( My wife doesn't know it is missing from her sewing kit. ) it is large enough that not only protects the gun finish, by folding it over the grip it makes the gun disappear in the dim light.