Kimber Stainless Owners: what do you use to clean the exterior of your gun?

[selfdefense4me]

I recently bought an Ultra Carry Stainless with modifications (ambi-safety, accurail installed, trigger/action job, tritium night sights, Hogue CocoBolo grips with finger indentations). It's the first Colt-design I've owned.

I noticed in the owner's manual that Kimber strongly advises not to use any solvents on the stainless steel parts. In the past, on my Glocks and snubbies, I would often use a mild solvent (on a patch) on the exterior to remove the gunk/residue from the slide or front of the barrel, then apply something like BreakFree as a cleaner/lubricant.

Since I want to treat my new baby right, what do you experienced Kimber stainless owners use to maintain exterior appearance without damaging the finish?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[RikWriter]

I just use RemOil...put a llight coat on the exterior, then wipe it down with a cloth.

 

[Bob C]

As with my other handguns, I first wipe my Kimber down with Hoppe's #9, and then do a final wipe with one of several oils.

 

[johnbt]

That's interesting, about the warning. I didn't remember a warning in the manual that came with my year-old Stainless Gold Match and didn't see one when I looked. In fact, instruction number 2 in the cleaning section says "Brush the bore and chamber with a good quality powder-removing solvent." So the barrel is stainless and they say brush...so...here's another way.

If it's really filthy and I want it to sparkle, I use number 9 on a toothbrush on the inside and on a rag on the outside. Now I have a mess and use a spray cleaner for a quick rinse. It doesn't take much. After it dries I spray/wipe with Sheath and let it dry before I lube it and put it back together. Or...lube, assemble and then Sheath.

I use the other methods too and make up my own as I go. I've been messing around with different cleaning and lubing combinations for 40 years and, near as I can tell, they all work more or less. Some cleaners are harsh and some oils attract a lot of grit and lint. Unfortunately, I probably still have a half a bottle of each one.

John