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Cleaners, Lubes, and Protectants

4787 Views 50 Replies 19 Participants Last post by  Laufer
Wasn't sure where to put this, so here we go. I go back to work tomorrow and am on for 2 weeks which I will have limited time to check in. So, I figured I would stir the pot and leave...šŸ¤£šŸ˜‚šŸ¤£šŸ˜‚ I know this is an age old discussion but I have thoughts and questions.

First of all, I am not a fan of the 3 in 1 products. If I am going to clean, I want a cleaner. I generally use Hoppes and or WD-40 to clean with. I like these and they work well for me. For Me.

When it comes to lubrication, I like 3 in 1 Machine Oil (I know, I know), or a good quality lightweight engine oil. There are a few actual Gun Oils on the market I would like to try, but haven' yet. Shooters Lube is one I can think of right off hand.

Last, but not least there is protectant. I have in the past and currently used RemOil. It seems to work well. I have used the 3 in 1 Machine Oil for this as well, but like the RemOil better for this application.

What is everyone's "Go To"? Favorites? Reasons why? Reasons why not? Thoughts? Opinions?
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Yeah recall when a bottle of Hoppes always came with the gun cleaning kits we used to buy for around $3 as a kid cleaning my first .22 Also that black grease called "Gunslick" in the silver tube was a stand-by.
Gosh, I remember gun slick. I'm sure it worked okay, but I never liked using it because it made me feel like I was making the gun that was just cleaned dirty again! I think I still have an old tube of it sitting in the bottom of my gun cleaning box.
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One product for protection, particularly for long term protection, which I don't see mentioned is Finish Line Dry Bike Lube. It is a waxy substance with teflon fluoropolymer. It goes on as a liquid & sets up in a dry, wax like film. It is made for bike chains to protect them from dirt, mud, grime & water. If it'll do that, it'll protect just about any thing.

I primarily use it for protecting exterior of slide & frame, but have also used it on rotating parts & slide rails, in lieu of grease. It does not seem to dry out or evaporate as oils & grease will. Apply it, let it dry, then wipe excess. When shooting, heat converts it back to a liquid. That is why there is a caution about using it in the bore. I've never tried it, but someone I know did & he said it created a "sludge" in the barrel.:(

Found in bicycle departments/stores. I get mine at Academy Sports (only local source I've found) or can be purchased on line.
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Let me ask this question another way. What does everyone use for long term storage (c’mon man, you know for the ā€œsafe queensā€) Its interesting reading what everyone uses for cleaning, lubing and protecting. I’ll be honest, I have some rifles and pistols I don’t get out a lot anymore and would like to find my best option for rust preventative in the safe long term. I know some of you have large collections and don’t shoot them ALL on a weekly or monthly basis. What do you use to coat them with before storing them?
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I use CLP for long term storage - worked good so far - also use silicone gunsocks. I do use Ballistol, tetra gun grease, Hoppes #9, and Shooters Choice for various cleaning or lubricating of firearms.
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Let me ask this question another way. What does everyone use for long term storage (c’mon man, you know for the ā€œsafe queensā€) Its interesting reading what everyone uses for cleaning, lubing and protecting. I’ll be honest, I have some rifles and pistols I don’t get out a lot anymore and would like to find my best option for rust preventative in the safe long term. I know some of you have large collections and don’t shoot them ALL on a weekly or monthly basis. What do you use to coat them with before storing them?
If I had to store a gun for a long time I would use Boeshield T9, penetrates everything and leaves a good waxy coating that is impervious to salt...my thought is - if it works for salt, it will work for anything. Problem is, it's spendy, and it really stinks until all of the lighter distillates evaporate. My hubby used Rig grease and swore by it, but I thinks it's really messy. Many of the shooters I know use CLP for storing guns.

Personally, I have quite a few firearms, many haven't been used in years - they all still get cleaned though. When I am cleaning a gun I just shot or carried in the field, I pull one of the dormant ones out of the safe and clean it too. I actually enjoy cleaning guns, it's relaxing.
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I seem to have a collection of lubes and cleaners on my bench, ranging from CLP, Rem-oil and Mobil 1 synthetic. There is even a can of some of the Remington Dry-lube for those special occasions when it's bitter cold or lubing the parts on my press.

I also cut up old T-shirts and boxers (after washing of course) in various sizes to accommodate different calibers. I've found that my wife's fabric cutting board and rotary cutter make quick work of making my own patches.

Some of the items lost in the back of the safes or dies that don't get used often get a coat of Birchwood Casey's Barricade gun oil. I also keep a golden rod and 2 or 3 rechargeable desiccant packs in each safe to keep the humidity as low as possible.
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Rem-Oil seems a bit thinner so I often use it for getting into tight spots like the safety on my 98k to sink into the mechanism. That Remington green cloth with rust inhibitors works well for wiping down barrels and receivers.
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In my search and reading reviews I found 2 products i have ordered a small bottle to try. Both products in their description state "l9ng term storage protection " which is what I am looking for.

I may be disappointed with them, but you don't know if you don't try. One is Break Free CO Collectors and the other is M Pro 7 Gun Oil.


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OP: does heavy residue accumulate during your typical session?

My guns see pretty mod. round counts (seldom more than 40-60 rds. In each) , , therefore….

Ballistol appears to work well for such situations in the VZ-58, (ā€œHKā€) PTR-91, FAL and M1A.

Secondary: being Non-Toxic is good.

Sidenote: What does the Ukrainian Army use? ;)
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I have also seen some pretty good videos on YouTube that were informative. A few of them were interesting because they did comparison tests on several different products. It’s been several years since I’ve seen them therefore I probably couldn’t find them again if my life depended on it.
Don't Google the title of this thread......
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shop tom: Oh — You Fun-Nay person ! :ROFLMAO:

And i didnt need to Google .

We find the dispensers in the men’s rooms near interstates.
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