Gun Oil

[LSU]

I got back from Duck Hunting today and tore down my 15+ year old Benelli SBE2 12 gauge for cleaning and maintenance. I like to clean & lube my shotguns after hunting.

We hunt in a salty marsh area and it is usually raining, so our guns take a beating.

I dug out my gun cleaning supplies and discovered that I have many, many types of gun oil. In addition to the Benelli brand gun oil that came with this gun.

I also have -

LSA - stolen from when I was in the Army,(40+ years ago),
Hoppe’s,
Clenzoil,
Breakfree,
Ballistol,
Remington,
Birchwood,

and probably many, many more Brands.

I suspect many of these containers are 20+ years old. I figure the stuff doesn’t go bad so I keep it until I use it up. ( I looked at that LSA which we used to lube The Pig (M60 machine gun) - and I wondered if the Army still uses this stuff and if my bottle is still good?

When I have the itch to buy another gun, I divert and, I guess, just buy cleaning supplies and gun oil.

So what’s everyone use to lube their guns and why?

Also - suggestions, criticisms or comments.

Thank you.

 

[bscman]

Breakfree works great.
They also make a long term storage version that won't gum up or get tacky, but is intended for firearms that only see rare use.

 

[RTM]

I have a little bottle of Lucas Gun Oil, forget who I got it from, but I saw an alternate use for it here on GJ, and I can't find the thread that said to use it. But today I am bluing some fasteners, and it says to finish with gun oil, so at least some use for it.

 

[Weldman]

I have a little bottle of Lucas Gun Oil, forget who I got it from, but I saw an alternate use for it here on GJ, and I can't find the thread that said to use it. But today I am bluing some fasteners, and it says to finish with gun oil, so at least some use for it.

+1 For Lucas Gun Oil, can be gotten at Oreilly's.
Used all my CLP up too from the service.

 

[Zeus36]

I use Militech-1 and have used LSA, Tri-Flow with Teflon and Breakfree CLP. The Militech-1 because we got a case of it that nobody ordered and I was the only one that knew what the stuff was. Militech also makes a firearm grease. They sent me a free sample 15 years ago. The only drawback to Militech-1 is the odor. Same could be said for LSA that smells a bit fishy.

 

[nadogail]

I use Hoppe’s because that’s what my father used.

 

[subroc]

If I hunt the salt marsh or any inclement weather I spray it down with wd40 at the boat ramp or truck. I use and have everything on your list but these days I use more CLP than anything else. My saltwater gun is mostly a 3-1/2 ducks unlimited marked Remington 870 I won at a DU dinner years ago. It is a bit of a rat. It has never been used as a paddle. Not hunting much these days. Just range shoot the self/home defense and edc stuff mostly.

 

[Weldman]

If I hunt the salt marsh or any inclement weather I spray it down with wd40 at the boat ramp or truck. I use and have everything on your list but these days I use more CLP than anything else. My saltwater gun is mostly a 3-1/2 ducks unlimited marked Remington 870 I won at a DU dinner years ago. It is a bit of a rat. It has never been used as a paddle. Not hunting much these days. Just range shoot the self/home defense and edc stuff mostly.

Um, WD-40 is a degreaser

 

[Aaron_W]

Um, WD-40 is a degreaser

Water Displacement #40

 

[Jacobs976]

I use 3-in-1, probably isn't the best option but it works. Had some expensive($30 I think for same size bottle as the small 3-in-1) premium oil from some brand specifically for firearms awhile back but it was too thick so it gummed up quick and collected powder quicker than any other I've used.

Also if you have some minor rust, PB Blaster wiped on the spot then agitated with a rag breaks it down pretty easy. Cleaned a few older pieces that were NDM(Non Destructive Method) only because of their age/rarity.

Edit:Also, don't know what brand the class 3 guy I worked with a few times used but he had an oil tub for metal parts. Thin oil like 3in1 but darker like motor oil. Soaked then wiped down. Only seen him work on class 3s, mainly WW2 machines, though so it might've just been something that worked better for belts or rapid movement.

 

[Weldman]

Water Displacement #40

Next time you get oil on your hands watch what happens, or tar on your vehicle spray some on.

 

[subroc]

Um, WD-40 is a degreaser

It also dries out moisture and adds some protection for the ride home. Take care of your guns however you want.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[Aaron_W]

Next time you get oil on your hands watch what happens, or tar on your vehicle spray some on.

It is basically kerosene (major component), and has many uses but it was developed for displacing water. Kind of like Duct tape, good for more than ducts. Gasoline is a pretty good solvent, but I understand some people use it to run their car.

I assume the poster who commented sprays the WD40 on his guns immediately after use in a wet area for the water displacement properties.

 

[2Busy]

For lubricant its Breakfree for me, which I use when I have a chance to clean the gun. But I’m with the OP and hit it hard with WD-40 first, right after I get out of the field before the gun goes in it’s case for transport home. Displaces the water and prevents the start of any rust.

 

[man-a-fre]

I oil the actions and car wax the blued areas, the wax seems to work better than oil for me in protecting against rust.

 

[genog]

CLP for my M1's and everything else
Hoppes #9 to clean out the barrels

 

[iamhomeless]

For cleaning inusually use rubbing alcohol, if the carbon is really caked on, a brush dipped in synthetic motor oil works really well due to the high detergents in the additive package.

For oiling a barrel I like to use synthetic ATF, since is soaks in nicely and has a much lower amount of detergents than modern oils.

For actual lubrication I use Cherry Balmz grease. It stays put, and it's slicker than salamander snot. I've seen finicky guns go to dead on reliable with just relubing with cherry balmz, and I have personally done 1000+ rounds between cleanings with the stuff.

I do know the owner, but I became friends with him by talking to him about lubrication packages for guns and cars and some of the oil compatability testing I've done at work. I highly recommend the company and the grease.

 

[vanapplebomb]

I have always used Hoppes #9 gun oil. My shot gun has survived a couple drops in the swamp, rain, and snow without issue. Despite being older, I have not had any issues with rust, and the pump action works smoothly.

 

[PoorUB]

Next time you get oil on your hands watch what happens, or tar on your vehicle spray some on.

The same could be said for regular motor oil.

I have used motor oil to clean my hands when they were really nasty. I have also used other spray lubes to clean my hands when nothing else was around.

 

[PoorUB]

I have a squirt bottle of ATF oil in the shop I use for air tool oil. I use it on my guns too. I guess I don't see the point of these $10 per ounce gun oils.

 

[KSJeff]

I use the CLP. My brother shoots black powder and uses ballistol which smells like death to me. Walking into his house after a big gun cleaning is the worst. Fortunately he's a bachelor and with the Ballistol and cigars he'll probably never get a lady.

 

[Weldman]

I use the CLP. My brother shoots black powder and uses ballistol which smells like death to me. Walking into his house after a big gun cleaning is the worst. Fortunately he's a bachelor and with the Ballistol and cigars he'll probably never get a lady.

Gun powder, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of gun powder in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for twelve hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn’t find one of ’em, not one stinkin’ dink body. The smell, you know, the gun smoke smell, the whole hill. Smelled like…victory.”
Wife is in trouble when I inhale too much gun powder smell, brings back memories and gets me all excited, ****** can't compete!

 

[Rinspeed]

I've used a lot of different oils and CLPs and Weapon Shield is one of the best. The guy is a real expert on lubrication. I have many aluminum framed Sigs and use Brian Enos Slide Glide grease on the rails of most of my pistols.



http://www.weaponshield.com/products.htm

 

[ike]

Project Farm did testing on these products

 

[mdrawde]

I use AMSOIL cleaner and lubricant. The cleaner is supposed to be good to remove residue from corrosive ammo. AMSOIL is also by far the easiest to get a hold of.

 

[Trapps]

After hunting (waterfowl & upland game), as in immediately, I use RemOil, sprayed in/on liberally, then into the case. Once home on the bench, its broken down, cleaned, lubed and protected with Break Free CLP as if my Senior DI was hovering over my disgusting grape. I hunt in Michigan so salt isn't an issue.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

A good synthetic oil, or CLP, from a reputable manufacturer. I like Hoppe's Elite, but so many others are good too.
Also, I like Grizzly Gun Grease CLP. As a cleaner is second to none (Discontinued?)

 

[RedneckWelder]

I used to buy gun oils and such.

Now I use synthetic motor oil, synthetic high temp grease, and brake cleaner for the AR and modern handguns and some Hoppes Elite for the classic firearms. Much cheaper overall than buying $$$ gun oils.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

I used to buy gun oils and such.

Now I use synthetic motor oil, synthetic high temp grease, and brake cleaner for the AR and modern handguns and some Hoppes Elite for the classic firearms. Much cheaper overall than buying $$$ gun oils.

Nothing wrong with synthetic motor oil, but it smells like you just did an oil change in your gun...

 

[slowtwitch73]

Remoil, Triflow... got a bunch of different kinds and ages, some older than me.

Think this falls under 'just use something'.

 

[wandrur]

Hoppe's because it's also what my Dad used.

For cleaning, at least. I know I use something else for rust proofing, but this thread reminds me it's been too long since I cleaned the guns because I can't remember what it is.

 

[dogdog]

isn't gun oil just Acetone and Transmission oil ??

 

[lund]

It is basically kerosene (major component), and has many uses but it was developed for displacing water. Kind of like Duct tape, good for more than ducts. Gasoline is a pretty good solvent, but I understand some people use it to run their car.

I assume the poster who commented sprays the WD40 on his guns immediately after use in a wet area for the water displacement properties.

Ironically, Duct Tape is one of the *worst* things to use to seal ducts. Almost for sure to fall off quickly. Metal tape with modified bitinum (spelling) glue is the way to go.

Humorous point is the duct tape is among the worst thing for what is supposidly intended, though ok as a cheap general purpose tape.

 

[LSU]

“my Senior DI was hovering over my disgusting grape.”

That is how I clean my guns.

I was hoping for more comments on LSA. My plastic bottle is from 1974.

I am kind of afraid to use it but I know it kept our M60 machine gun running fine but I’ve got to believe better things have come along.

 

[davel]

RIG - I have 2 guns sitting in the closet for 30 years that didn't rust yet.

 

[Sumboodie]

Oil does go bad. It generally has a self life of about 5 years.

 

[Old Donn]

Shelf in the basement has several examples I've tried over the years. That said, I always come back to Rem Oil.

 

[Balor]

I learned a long time ago (in the US Army from 1974 - 1994) that CLP is the only gun oil you need. It works in wet weather, freezing weather, desert heat, in M14's, in M60's, in AR's, in Pump Shotguns, and a few more weapon's come to think about it.

 

[Aaron_W]

Ironically, Duct Tape is one of the *worst* things to use to seal ducts. Almost for sure to fall off quickly. Metal tape with modified bitinum (spelling) glue is the way to go.

Humorous point is the duct tape is among the worst thing for what is supposidly intended, though ok as a cheap general purpose tape.

Isn't that more of a case that time moves on and better "duct tapes" became available?

 

[crewchief888]

all i used was CLP breakfree for many years.,
now a days i grab whatever is closest remoil spray or hoppes oil.
i keep the CLP in my range bag