I just opened a bottle of Hoppes Nitro Solvent that has to be over 20 years old. I began cleaning a .22 rifle when I realize the smell was nothing like what I remembered it to be (the last bottle I used was like 3 years ago). I have to say without exaggeration "This really smelled like termite killer". The next day the entire gun locker had that smell from the rag left behind. Does this sound strange to anyone? I think I just better get rid of it. Since then I've recleaned the rifle just with a can of Castrol/Hoppes field spray cleaner, and got rid of that rag.

i would not think it would go bad in twenty or 90 years. i would bet you are mixing up the smell of hoppes number nine with the bottle of nitro solvent.

Birdshot!! You're right! It's Hoppes Number 9 I've used before. This is my first time with nitro solvent, thanks for clearing that up. At a quick glance, I thought they were the same thing.

one of my fantacies involve rubbing down with number nine and diving into a pool full of 5.56mm rounds.

If I remember correctly(?), the EPA made Hoppe's remove nitro-benzene from the formula awhile ago. It was causing birth defects in California's rat population.

I've read that California's rats are sensitive to other stuff as well. Must be a unique species? I have not seen the "California Rat" on an edangered species list. Good! Perhaps they are making a comeback.

Cheezywan

So that's why it smells different now. I wondered why. Figured they reformulated for lower $$.

.

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Do not confuse liberal with liberty, especially when the Right to Keep arms is concerned.
Liberals are like Slinkies - Not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the staris.

I am trying to give all the california rats I can find a case of lead poisoning .....

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"Life's tough ... it's even tougher if you're stupid " .... John Wayne

OnWard .... the OL' OutLaw

and

Ummm, guys, if you look at the label you will see that Hoppe's Number 9 is their Nitro Powder Solvent. Contrary to your reaction, though, I think that the original formula smelled much better than its safer and more civilized replacement.

Be careful if you are going to dispose of that old stuff -- it may have become a hazardous waste in the intervening years.

The Old Guy

I was in Walmart today and saw bottles of Hoppes No. 9. I took off the cap to give it a wiff but it had that seal across the top under the cap, (you know like when you buy antifreeze). I'm going to use the Nitro Solvent, I'll just use the Remoil spray afterwards to kill the smell.

Savor that smell Jenscoach! Is a "blast from the past". I remember that it worked better than the current rendition (Aye, and the ladies like it too).

I'd keep what you have rather than use it (just for the sake of using it up). Lots of nostalga in that bottle.

Cheezywan

I have a unopened quart bottle of the origional "nitro" solvent out in the garage.

After reading these posts,will definately bring it into my reloading room and "baby" it. Maybe even replaceing my Listerine with it for before bed gargle. Probably make me dream of shooting all night long. -----pruhdlr

I used to take a sponge and Hoppes #9 and swab a bit on show cases and gun racks every morning when I opened my gun shop, did that for 40 years, made the place smell like what people expected a gun shop to smell like! New stuff doesn't seem to have that 'magic-smell'. Stoeger's old 'London Oil Finish' had a similar 'gun-nut narcotic' effect.

That technique would have worked on me. Right up until now.

Good idea!

I still like the product after all the years and changes. Not as fast as some of the new stuff. Still works though!

Interesting?

Cheezywan

I have found that a small lead projectile moving at high velocity is adverse to the health of rats in my area. I find that very reassuring.

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I figure one shot ought to be enough.

Be glad we don't get all the government we pay for.

"the EPA made Hoppe's remove nitro-benzene from the formula awhile ago..."

Another example of a progressive government, progressively encroaching on and limiting our rights as a free people, moving us further into serfdom to our gov. masters. All for the sake of our safety and for the children of course. ??