Remember that a firearm is simply an internal combustion...

by JD, Western Washington, Friday, May 30, 2025, 16:18 (7 days ago) @ Gunner

A firearm is simply an internal combustion engine with gun powder instead of gasoline and a bullet in place of a piston. As such, it is a very similar environment to an engine, with lots of carbon and relatively high heat, and a requirement for constant film thickness to keep metal parts from actually touching... Exactly the conditions that a quality synthetic motor oil is designed for. In addition, a motor oil is designed with metal affinity to keep a coating of oil on metal parts even over time (were it not for this, your car engine would be toast after just a couple of hundred cold starts...).

High quality synthetic motor oil is designed to float carbon off of surfaces, be stable and effective at elevated temperatures, provide lubrication and maintain a microscopic film layer at all times... Exactly what is needed in a firearm. Motor oil is not the best for corrosion prevention (it's ok, but not outstanding...), but we have much better products available for that use.

In my past employment as an engineer, I had cause to spend a fair amount of time looking at different types of lubricating oils. First off, designing a new oil is EXTREMELY expensive. Unless you are a really large company or have a government contract, it is simply not happening. Most gun oils are simply existing oils repackaged and re-labeled and given a much higher price. Maybe a company may add an additional ingredient (say Teflon, etc,,,), but it is basically an existing product, not something "New and improved". All just sales gimmicks... If you want to see some proof, request the MSDS (material safety data sheet) from the manufacturer (they are required by federal law to provide these on request). It basically lists what exactly the product consists of and allows you to see what's in it and then you can compare various products... You'll be surprised to see what products match other common oil products.

For me, I use Mobil 1 full synthetic oil, and Mobil 1 full synthetic wheel bearing grease for lubrication. My research has shown them to be as good, if not better, than virtually all of the "gun" oils out there, and at a fraction of the price. I used to like a product called "Friction Block" that was sold by Smith and Wesson, along with the manufacturer, but apparently the EPA banned some of the ingredients and it is no longer available.

For corrosion prevention I use Birchwood Casey Barricade, which I've found to be superior to most and readily available...

Just my two cents.....