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Gun cleaning oils


Chris Bb
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WD40 is not only a *lubricant* but an effective *penetrant* (read the label). It is the penetrant properties that are damaging. While these work well in removing rust and corrosion, they can be *devastating* to well kept metal surfaces. It also ruins the finish on wood stocks.

Also, as penetrant, a small quantity of WD on bullets can neutralize the primers.
Ive always used Napier and Bisley and never had an issue, if it works don't fix it i'd say.
Edited by inderraj
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In my view, cleaning and oiling are separate things;

 

Cleaning uses a chemical action to clean out harmful combustion residues. It is predominantly a solvent type approach. For this I use Youngs 303, but there are many other good ones, Napier, Bisley etc.

Oiling (strict) is to lubricate between moving metal surfaces. I use a light grease (Castrol or similar) for the slow parts under heavy stress such as the joint pin and a light oil, Parker Hale Express or 3 in 1, Castrol light motor oil etc for this on the lightly loaded parts. I'm told synthetic motor oil is excellent.

For corrosion prevention, there are specialist things like Parker Hale Rangoon oil that are supposed to be better at 'staying in place'. Clenzoil is also pretty good here I believe. Again, I suspect synthetic motor oil would be good.

 

WD40 is a water displacer - and has no other use for me. Its not an oil, it leaves a gummy residue and its not good for wood. There are others who swear by it, but I won't use it on my guns at all. Gentle heat and fresh air dries them better.

 

The real key things when both cleaning and oiling is to wipe off all of the old - taking dirt, grit etc with it to a clean surface - then apply a VERY LIGHT coating/smear. If the oil can run down, then there is too much.

 

Keep all oils etc away from the wood - except special oils like linseed, walnut etc. I prefer either walnut oil - or a gunstock wax/beeswax on the wood.

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Never used dedicated gun cleaners and lube so can't comment on how good they are,

 

I've been using a light oil such as 3 in one for oiling my air rifles since a kid and for the past two years or so my shotguns for both cleaning and lubricating and it has done a great job, I use a metal tornado brush to clean the barrels as I find they get the crud off great.

Edited by smokinggun
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In answer to the OP I tend to stick with some of the more traditional (older) cleaners/oils/solvents.

 

This is not because I am stuck in the past but because they work, nothing stands still and there may be better available, I have tried a few newer offerings and have not been impressed, so I too would like a definitive answer on cleaners/oils.

 

Bore Foam is another newish offering, hate the stuff, doesn't work for me, pebbledashes the room and doesn't clean the barrel, others love it, my spray must be about 8 years old and I simply don't use it.

 

The thing is, everyone will have their favourite cleaning/oils and they will all be different, but they are all the best!

 

ATB! :good:

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WD40 is not only a *lubricant* but an effective *penetrant* (read the label). It is the penetrant properties that are damaging. While these work well in removing rust and corrosion, they can be *devastating* to well kept metal surfaces. It also ruins the finish on wood stocks.

 

Also, as penetrant, a small quantity of WD on bullets can neutralize the primers.

 

Ive always used Napier and Bisley and never had an issue, if it works don't fix it i'd say.

I do read labels and only use WD40 as a water displacer or penetrant, others' views may vary.

 

I, too, use Napier. It does work but there may be better out there. Just a thought and what I was trying to find out.

 

 

In my view, cleaning and oiling are separate things;

 

Cleaning uses a chemical action to clean out harmful combustion residues. It is predominantly a solvent type approach. For this I use Youngs 303, but there are many other good ones, Napier, Bisley etc.

Oiling (strict) is to lubricate between moving metal surfaces. I use a light grease (Castrol or similar) for the slow parts under heavy stress such as the joint pin and a light oil, Parker Hale Express or 3 in 1, Castrol light motor oil etc for this on the lightly loaded parts. I'm told synthetic motor oil is excellent.

For corrosion prevention, there are specialist things like Parker Hale Rangoon oil that are supposed to be better at 'staying in place'. Clenzoil is also pretty good here I believe. Again, I suspect synthetic motor oil would be good.

 

WD40 is a water displacer - and has no other use for me. Its not an oil, it leaves a gummy residue and its not good for wood. There are others who swear by it, but I won't use it on my guns at all. Gentle heat and fresh air dries them better.

 

The real key things when both cleaning and oiling is to wipe off all of the old - taking dirt, grit etc with it to a clean surface - then apply a VERY LIGHT coating/smear. If the oil can run down, then there is too much.

 

Keep all oils etc away from the wood - except special oils like linseed, walnut etc. I prefer either walnut oil - or a gunstock wax/beeswax on the wood.

Interestingly, Napier label their gun cleaner as "Gun Cleaner & Lubricant". Otherwise I couldn't agree more.

 

Never used dedicated gun cleaners and lube so can't comment on how good they are,

 

I've been using a light oil such as 3 in one for oiling my air rifles since a kid and for the past two years or so my shotguns for both cleaning and lubricating and it has done a great job, I use a metal tornado brush to clean the barrels as I find they get the crud off great.

3 in 1 may be OK as a lubricant/metal preservative but how can it be a cleaner?

 

In answer to the OP I tend to stick with some of the more traditional (older) cleaners/oils/solvents.

 

This is not because I am stuck in the past but because they work, nothing stands still and there may be better available, I have tried a few newer offerings and have not been impressed, so I too would like a definitive answer on cleaners/oils.

 

Bore Foam is another newish offering, hate the stuff, doesn't work for me, pebbledashes the room and doesn't clean the barrel, others love it, my spray must be about 8 years old and I simply don't use it.

 

The thing is, everyone will have their favourite cleaning/oils and they will all be different, but they are all the best!

 

ATB! :good:

Agreed! :good:
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I now a lot of people even use WD40 or other "non shooting" products.

 

Your thoughts?

 

+1 WD40 its a perfect cleaner and protector if used in moderation dont go putting it on thick just spray on a rag and wipe gun over, spray a bit down the barrels leave to dry off a bit then put a pull through up the barrels job done!

Theres too much hype on fancy gun oils and you dont know enough about their chemical contents so just use WD40 i have for 38 years all my guns are like new so there my points of view are over !

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