grease vs. oil

[ninjedi]

Anybody use grease instead of oil to clean/lube their firearms? I stumbled across a grease syringe product on Amazon that has some good reviews; thinking about trying it out for my handguns.

http://www.amazon.com/Slip-2000-Extreme ... 0064VEUNM/

[mecra]

Opinions can vary heavily. However, I don't think a grease would be good for "cleaning" a gun. However, depending on the gun, grease can be better than oil.

[Mn01r6]

I use Extreme Weapons Grease when indicated for slide rails and bolt carrier groups and such. Some places oil works better (I use Extreme Weapons Lubricant), some places grease works better.

I prefer the little jar of EWG and a qtip rather than the syringe, but that is all personal preference on how you approach lubing up the gun.

[JJ]

If it slides grease it, if it rotates oil it. Any surfaces that aren't subjected to sliding/rotating across other surfaces still need some oil to protect the finish.

Also consider that weather has a large effect on what lubes you should use. In cold weather grease is generally not ideal, as its weight will heavily slow cycle speeds (in general). If you are shooting in 70+ degree weather, you likely can use more grease than oil.

[photogpat]

If it slides grease it, if it rotates oil it. Any surfaces that aren't subjected to sliding/rotating across other surfaces still need some oil to protect the finish.

Also consider that weather has a large effect on what lubes you should use. In cold weather grease is generally not ideal, as its weight will heavily slow cycle speeds (in general). If you are shooting in 70+ degree weather, you likely can use more grease than oil.

+1. A little grease (extremely light coating) on the rails greatly improves functioning in my 1911. Too much left on too long in the wrong areas can become lapping compound though.

[yuppiejr]

I found my M1A functioned better with oil on the operating rod (slides) versus grease, which slowed down the bolt significantly. I think the general rules stated previously are good starting points but it always pays to check for what people are using with a specific firearm in a similar climate if you have the opportunity.

If I know I'm going to store a firearm for more than 3 months I'll use miltec or a similar firearm grease in lieu of oil which seems to migrate over time.

[dleong]

$10 for a mere 1.5 ozs.? Do I get a box of Belgian chocolates with that?

Serious question: What does an exotically priced "gun lube" do that a high quality general purpose grease (like Mobil 1 synthetic grease, which usually sells for around $10 per 1 lb. tub at most auto parts stores) doesn't?

Since the vast majority of shooters aren't going to be using their guns in the frigid conditions of the Arctic, or in the steamy jungles of SE Asia, or in the middle of a blinding sandstorm in the deserts of Iraq, I would contend that any high quality off-the-shelf lubricant found in you neighbourhood hardware or home improvement store will do a more than adequate job of keeping your gun operating.

[mecra]

I know of some guys that just dip their BCGs in synthetic motor oil.

[photogpat]

Strictly speaking about lubrication - essentially no difference between high grade synthetic motor oil and traditional gun oil. Most gun oils are basically an ultra high grade synthetic.

Rust prevention is a different story though - most gun oils have a rust preventative chemical in them to help in avoiding oxidation (rust) on steel surfaces. Standard motor oil doesn't have the same RP in it since it'll be running at high temp and pressure in an engine, and those chemicals can etch the surfaces.

[shooter115]

Be careful with what you use for lube if you are going to be shooting outdoors in the winter.....especially if you are taking your AR platform out coyote hunting. Very light synthetic oil used sparingly or you will likely have a gun that short strokes. A lot of people seem to think it's necessary to grease buffer springs too, I can almost promise that this will cause malfunctions in cold weather. Grease or any heavy oil on the firing pin will also cause light strikes.

[870TC]

Often I will use grease instead of oil.
I have made the same discovery that Brian Enos has mentioned in his book....upon taking a gun apart to clean it after shooting No visible trace of gun oil (previously applied) could be found. This was the reason he developed Slide Glide.
I use Slide Glide lite or Pro shot Gold grease or a homemade version made of #2 auto grease mixed with STP.
And to answer dleong's question= the "exotic" gun grease has a stringier tacky quality that auto grease alone does not have, this stringy quality makes the grease stick to the moving parts better.

[bensdad]

Tube of lithium grease for some stuff. Costs a couple bucks for more than you can use in a lifetime. BreakFree CLP or RemOil for other stuff (cuz it's convenient).

I guess I'm no expert - not a mechanical engineer or 100,000 shot/yr shooter, but I shoot plenty, and I've got guns that grandads had. They still work (and look) fine.

IMO, most stuff is marketing gimmicks and advertising. Take care of your stuff. Don't leave your toys outside.

If it slides grease it, if it rotates oil it.

I'd love to know how a metal surface knows which one IT is. There must be something about different kinds of "rubbing" that I don't get.

[gun_fan111]

A while back I heard that if you mix lithium and non-lithium grease together, meaning apply one after another without a thorough cleaning, if will decompose and cause more harm than good.

Anybody knows if this is true? Does if apply to mixing grease with oil?

[selurcspi]

Fairburn & Sykes favour grease

[MWAG]

Everything gets straight 30wt. oil, slides get an extra coating of synthetic brake lube. Since I was a mechanic for 7 years, I've got more than enough of those little packets you get in your brake pads