View Full Version : What kind of slide lube is everyone using?
Replay13
12-11-2010, 10:21 PM
Hello everyone,
I'm just curious, I know there is lots of good lubes out there... and I'm not trying to start a war (well maybe a good discussion!)
Anyways I feel that a good lube has to work after sitting for a while, and also has to work good in hot and cold weather. I've been using Tetra, just because its available local and works good for me. Also the lube has to be safe for the polymer frame part too.
I just got a new Kahr PM9 that I really like. First thing I did was clean all the old packing oils off of it and lube it good with Tetra, then cycle the slide a bunch of times to get the lube worked into all the metal parts really good. I have about 500 rounds through it now and its been 100% with all brass cased ammo! The first day I put 250 rounds through it at one range session, so it fired 250 rounds straight before it was cleaned and lubed again. I clean and lube it good after every range session.
Ok, what other good products is everyone using?? Maybe some lubes is too good for breaking a gun in! lol
James (Replay13)
OldLincoln
12-11-2010, 10:28 PM
I use Gunzilla to clean and oil, TW25 to lube.
Jim K
12-11-2010, 11:09 PM
Remoil. I have thousands of rounds thru each of my pistols, rifles and shotguns with no wear visible or measureable.
Lots of hype out there. I think that keeping a firearm clean may have more advantage than the latest snake oil. If it lubricates, does not stain, provides some measure of corrosion prevention and stays put, then thats what you need. Use whatever makes you feel warm and fuzzy.
Anybody out there use ACF-50 as a corrosion preventative for long term storage?
Jim K
mr surveyor
12-11-2010, 11:16 PM
when I was 10-12 years old I used a flannel patch on a string, weighted with a bobby pin as a bore snake in my .410 shotgun and 22 rifle. I'd use some of Dad's W-D40 (in the screw top metal can) as a solvent, then I'd sneak Mom's sewing machine oil to lightly wet the patch to stroke the barrel (inside and out), then used vasoline to coat the hinge and lock-up on the sg and to coat the bolt on the 22. Life was simple. My old JC Higgins .410 given to me second hand by my grandfather has had thousands of rounds through the tube in it's 60+/- year lifetime, and looks as good now as when he gave it to me in 1963. It's really kinda funny thinking about all the "new is better" products on the market. Yeah, I know vasoline isn't the best thing as a lube, especially for long periods of time, but I cleaned my guns almost monthly whether I got to shoot or not. Over the years I grew up and bought my own cleaning supplies and started using Hoppes #9 and Hoppes Gun Grease and RemOil. I have occassionally tried some of the miracle stuff that's supposed to last for 6 months and still handle temps from -50 to 180 deg (or whatever the claim), but, I still tend to clean my carry guns at least monthly, or more often. So, I finally came to my senses and use Hoppe's #9, Hoppe's Gun Grease and now CLP more than the RemOil (still keep the RemOil handy).
Now, there are special requirements for excessive lead fouling and copper fouling that really need some special products, particularly in new barrels that aren't lapped. But, for every day maintenence I've found the KISS principle works just fine. It ain't just WHAT you use, it's HOW you use it:)
My 17 cents worth:D
surv
edit to add: I didn't really answer the "slide lube" question.... If I'm at the range and need for whatever reason to "freshen up" the slide, a couple of drops of CLP is all it takes. For the real thing, I stick a q-tip into the spout of the Hoppe's Gun Grease tube and take a little dab and run it the length of the slide and frame rails
edit again: that's another 2-1/2 cents :)
DasFriek
12-12-2010, 02:03 AM
I use CLP to wipe the whole gun down with after shooting, And wipe that off.
Then i re-wipe the whole gun with Wilson Ultra Lube and only wipe off the outside once put back together.
The rails and barrel lugs, Rear of slide where the hammer rides and the other end where the barrel bushing or bull barrel fits is all lubed with Slide Glide.
SG is the best stuff ive ever seen for rails and lugs, It makes a gun feel like the slide is on ball bearings.
When i do a deep cleaning and go into the frame and firing group i use White Lithium grease with added Teflon on all the trigger and sear parts.
But i will say using this much lube requires more cleaning as all that lube and grease will hold onto dirt and residue and make a mess quickly. But i clean mine about every 200 rounds as thats what i shoot at each range trip. It does cut down on wear, But if i neglected to clean and reapply it would be worse than no lube imo.
If i was gonna go to war with the gun id just cover it all in clp and let it dry on its own and add a few drops of Ultra lube on the rails and nothing else.
dusty10
12-12-2010, 04:20 AM
Shooter's Choice FP-10. I have been wanting to try this Eezox product but can't find it locally.
jeep45238
12-12-2010, 04:21 AM
Slip2000 EWL.
I use shooter's choice grease on the surplus guns if I don't have axle grease around. Other than that, everything gets Slip2000 EWL.
ripley16
12-12-2010, 07:23 AM
I first give the gun a Militec-1 conditioner treatment, then on top of that I use TW25b and a drop of Militec-1 on the slide.
jocko
12-12-2010, 08:28 AM
TW25 go to Mil-comm.com and read up about it. If u decide to order it, order the grease in the syringe applicator as u can lay a thin line right downinsdie the slide rails and never miss a beat. for the price of postage it pays to buy two of those.
Great stuff, Military uses it in some of their high tech weapons..
REACT
12-12-2010, 08:51 AM
Gunbutter 2/3 fl oz. | Gun Butter (http://www.gunbutter.com/?page_id=23)
mr. bggs
12-12-2010, 09:52 AM
my gunsmithing instructor, now retired, was the best and most knowledgeable gun guy I've ever known. in his 65 years of experience he found that balistol was the best(for the money) for all purpose use. by that i mean cleaning, oiling, and lubricating all surfaces of any gun. after a long range session we would breakdown the gun, soak it in balistol, wait for 5 mins, and thoroughly clean it, then when finished just leave a light coating on the gun and your good to go. there might be something better out there, but i doubt if its as cheap and simple as this. my 2cents.
jocko
12-12-2010, 10:26 AM
I have said if many time,s most all lubes will do the job needed of them. Find what you feelyou are confident with and just stick with it. The lube question is about as debateable as 9mm vs 40 vs 45
jeepster09
12-12-2010, 01:25 PM
Oh wait......for a different Big Gun....:o
garyb
12-14-2010, 02:21 PM
I recently switched form Dry Rem lube and am currently trying Bob Marvel's Custom Gun Oil. I did not feel confident in the dry lube. So far, so good with the Marvel product.
It sounds to me like most lubes will do the job, some better than others, but most good. Some better at corrosion, some better at rotating parts, some better at sliding parts, etc... In the past, I have used Rem Oil, Ballistol, WD, Inhibitor V80, etc...
Some time soon, I do plan to use a good grease just for the slide...just because a grease seems to make sense on a sliding part. Who really knows?
OH, and because I carry every day, I clean and relube my PM40 once a week as well as following each time I shoot it.
pistol pete
12-15-2010, 07:47 AM
I called Kahr and asked them what they use/recommend. They said they use Militec-1, so I got some of that and have been using it since. Seems to work pretty good.
garyb
12-15-2010, 08:01 AM
Interesting! I had contacted Kahr and they wouldn't recommend anything at all. In fact, told me they do not endorse any products. I was kind of disappointed in their response. They just don't seem consistent in their responses to various inquiries. Hmmmm.
This is an issue I have pondered for awhile. I think I'll take Jocko's advice on the TW25 in the syringe for use on the slide of my PM40 and place an order after the holidays. I've read good things about this product for slides. I've also read excellent things on Eezox for surface corrosion protection. Perhaps each product has its own special function and we should be talking about which performs best for certain functions. It seems to me that it is not that big a deal to have 2-3 products on hand for specific things. (I know I already have 10-12 lubes around the house....but have not needed to sample Jeepsters recommendation as yet...haha).
I am glad there are lots of good products out there to choose from in the lube division.
jocko
12-15-2010, 08:06 AM
as u know gary probably any lube is better THAN NO LUBE. Find what one likes and just stick with it. If the gun goes bang every time, then consider everything doing its job as it should...
robmcd
12-15-2010, 11:28 AM
I use either Eezox or TW25B depending on the gun. Eezox is my choice for tightly fitted guns like a custom 1911 because it has a very thin viscosity. TW25B works great for most carry guns that have larger clearances - I only apply 4-6 drops in the slide rail using a syringe applicator. Too much grease will eventually slow a slide down by capturing residue.
10Kahrs
12-15-2010, 11:40 AM
Mil-tec!
earle8888
12-15-2010, 03:48 PM
I have read here that some people seem to think WD-40 is a gun lube/protectorant!
Personal experience! S&W mdl19, RB. Many many moons ago, I was putting this revolver in storage for an anaticipated long time. I sprayed it, including under the side plate with WD-40 and put in safe. Approx 6 mos latter I took it out and was inspecting it when I noticed that IT DIDN'T WORK, that is pulling back on the trigger would not **** the hammer!!!! I discovered that the STUFF, maybe teflon, residue left by WD-40 after the solvent evaporated, clogged up the internal workings of this Smith!! After FINALLY cleaning it out of this residue, it worked fine. AND YES no RUST!!
I would never ever use it on a weapon I would count on to function!! PERIOD
Just FYI
jocko
12-15-2010, 03:51 PM
WD= water displacement. certainly it is not a lubricant.. Have to agree with you, certainly not a gun lubricant at all..
Bawanna
12-15-2010, 03:57 PM
I use it on squeaky hinges or places where water displacement is needed, distributors and stuff. Not many of those around these days and I haven't touched on in years, but never on guns.
In an earlier life I worked at an industrial supply business and did some test as well as read up on some professional test and WD over a period of time actually becomes an adhesive.
Years ago in a neighboring county the application of WD on a firearm was grounds for immediate admin leave. Guess they didn't like it on their guns either.
Bawanna
12-15-2010, 03:58 PM
For some reason it works good for getting pine tar off your hands or road tar off your car. Not sure if it works on Harleys and what effect it might have on ice cream.
jocko
12-15-2010, 04:07 PM
For some reason it works good for getting pine tar off your hands or road tar off your car. Not sure if it works on Harleys and what effect it might have on ice cream.
it home today, the wifes new 2011 103 inch streetglide. Super nice bike, weather here is the pits, snow coming in tonight and 0 temperatures, not good for harley riding or even Milk Shake drinking.
Bawanna
12-15-2010, 04:14 PM
Ride it or trailer it?
I remember the day my son got his Sportster. He got his permit that morning, had never rode a street bike before and largest dirt bike was like a 250cc.
It was late afternoon and here you can't ride after dark with a permit. So his very first time on the road was a brand new sportster getting out of a large traffic nightmare city to the rural back roads of our neighborhood.
Myself and his little brother watching the whole time. I think I lost 10 years off my life. I just about paid the little biker girl we bought it from at the shop to ride it home for us so he could practice a bit, or haul it in the horse trailer but he made it. Took a class later on and did just fine. He's a natural at it, I always had to work at it, they don't call me crash for nothing.
Course they removed that title from me when they heard about the milkshake rider from Indy.
jocko
12-15-2010, 05:07 PM
I know why you wanted that little biker girl at the shop to ride it home bawanna. u ain't shi-tin ol jocko one bit. I think I have seen your wheel tracks around some of these "chick" biker shops.
regretfully the new bike had its first trailor ride today, we have alot of ice and snow on the roads yet, let alone all the highway sanding crap to, plus 8 degree weather.Hopefulli it will be the last trailor ride for sweetsie's new ride, which when she is working, I will be riding it, like I stole it...
Bawanna
12-15-2010, 05:29 PM
Well its strange but I went with my son that day in an attempt to save him. He was in search of a Kawasaki dual sport:eek:
I went as a voice of reason and to try and give him guidance. I actually drove to the Harley shop first cause it's next to the Kawasaki shop but he said the place that had one was up the highway a few miles so we didn't stop.
We went to 5 shops, spent a good portion of the day and easily deterred him from the dual sport. None of the salesman gave us the time of day, a little info but nothing like they should have.
I'd told him we weren't gonna buy today but do research and decide and then go shop.
We're heading home and I said we've been everywhere else today lets hit the Harley shop thinking no way we could afford one.
We aren't 10 ft in the door and this spiky haired little gal is right there, what do we want to look at. Saw a Sportster setting there and started looking. Son a pretty good size boy sits on it and she throws her leg over the front fender to hold the bike up and tells him to put his feet on the pegs so he can feel what its like. Asked him how it felt and his reply was best one of all of them.
She asked if we'd like to hear it run, I'm like heck yeah. She's like 5 ft tall but grabs them bars and wheels that bad boy out the front door and lights er off. I asked for her hand in marriage right then and there.
Anyhow an hour or so later he's rigged with boots, jacket, pants, helmet and a shiney new sportster between his legs headed for home. That little gal was a saleperson bar none.
I wanted a Harley dew rag so I could look like a biker but didn't have enough loot. Kid had saved enough to pay cash for the scooter. I gotta start charging that boy rent!
joshh
12-16-2010, 12:02 PM
ive been using eezox on all my carry pistols and on the guns that dont get fired often (because of it's corrosion protection). it's great so far! dries on gun & not oily at all. it's really known for its corrosion protection not for it's lube but i shoot my pm9 pretty often and there are no signs of abnormal (or any since break in) wear. so i guess its cutting the mustard for a lube. i did consider a thick gel or grease type product for the frame rail contacts but it doesnt seem needed.
Diocoles
12-16-2010, 01:00 PM
I've been cleaning guns for close to 50 years and have never used grease.
The first time I ever heard of it being used was on one of these forums.
I've always used 3 in1 and now CLP since 3 in 1 is gone.
I clean really good with excessive CLP then wipe it all down with an oil rag.
I've never had any issues and that includes my military time.
I'm not saying grease is bad, I've just never used it or needed it.
mr surveyor
12-16-2010, 05:32 PM
I may have been the one that mentioned WD40, but did NOT say I ever used it as a lube.... that was my "solvent" when I was a kid.... Mom's sewing machine oil (actually I think it was the old "3 in 1") was for lube and wipe down.
Now, like Diocoles said, CLP has taken the place of the long gone 3 in 1.
I think sometimes we get too caught up in the marketing hype.
surv
Bawanna
12-16-2010, 05:38 PM
I still have 2 can's of 3 in 1, guess I better start rationing it. Good for lots of stuff. Wonder how long I've had it now that I think about it.
dusty10
12-16-2010, 06:36 PM
I still have 2 can's of 3 in 1, guess I better start rationing it. Good for lots of stuff. Wonder how long I've had it now that I think about it.
It's probably turned to 30 weight by now. :D
jocko
12-16-2010, 06:48 PM
dIOCOLES: If it works good for you indeed stick with it. Gun lubes is as debateable as Ford vs Chevy..
94zcar
12-16-2010, 09:43 PM
I like G96(nice smelling) or CLP to clean and some remington grease for the rails(only because it is in a syringe) I like grease on the rails, it just lasts a long time. I may try some moly wheel bearing grease some day.
I don't think it really matters what you use.
mr surveyor
12-16-2010, 11:13 PM
I agree.... it really don't matter, IF you do regular maintenence!
Seahawk60
12-17-2010, 12:21 AM
I first give the gun a Militec-1 conditioner treatment, then on top of that I use TW25b and a drop of Militec-1 on the slide.
Militec (the grease) is good stuff. I use a very thin film on everything.
earle8888
12-17-2010, 02:50 PM
For what ever its worth. I never considered the smell of a gun lubricant before! However, I have found that the nylon-ish, pocket holster I use for PM-40, has assumed the the same fragrance. I have been told by whom I won't mention, that that, MIltec, smell is in my pants and in a very sutler way with me EVERYWHERE.
Is it just me, didn't happen with IWB or OWB holsters, they were leather, is that the difference???
Seahawk60
12-18-2010, 01:11 PM
For what ever its worth. I never considered the smell of a gun lubricant before! However, I have found that the nylon-ish, pocket holster I use for PM-40, has assumed the the same fragrance. I have been told by whom I won't mention, that that, MIltec, smell is in my pants and in a very sutler way with me EVERYWHERE.
Is it just me, didn't happen with IWB or OWB holsters, they were leather, is that the difference???
I have a leather pocket holster and it, too, smells like Militec. Probably because that's a more closed up environment and traps the smell more than IWB/OWB
Garland
12-18-2010, 03:07 PM
I ordered some of the TW25 grease as well as their oil and cleaner. I have been using the 3 in 1, which is still available by the way:
http://www.3inone.com/products/multi-purpose/
jocko
12-18-2010, 04:00 PM
I ordered some of the TW25 grease as well as their oil and cleaner. I have been using the 3 in 1, which is still available by the way:
http://www.3inone.com/products/multi-purpose/
me, ur gonna like that TW25 lube...
I know its a long thread but I'm chilling out on this Sunday after X-mas and thought I'd add my $0.02...
I've also just read the "how often do you clean" thread :eek: I clean and lube my firearms after each use, period or if they sit I wipe the metal with a Rem-Oil cloth.
For pistol slide rails and tracks, guild rod and barrel I use; "Shooters Choice All Weather High-Tech Grease (http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=706690&type=product&cm_mmc=CRR-_-RLP-_-221055-_-productname_link&cmCat=CRR)" and for the frame internals I like "Remington Dry-Lube"
The Shooter Choice is amazing stuff plus it comes in a syringe so application is a breeze...
deuce
12-26-2010, 12:54 PM
Just a tiny dab of Tetra Gun white grease on each side seems to work for me. I also clean mine after each use. I find it kinda relaxing and a fitting end to a day of shooting.
earle8888
12-26-2010, 03:53 PM
TusonMTB, Thks.4 the heads-up on Cinnamon. I have and use PM40 CTL in pocket carry. I am a 45APC guy, Use a P45 replacement for my Colt 3 1/2 Dbl Eagle I used to have as a hip carry, much lighter and very accurate. I am going to try the PM45, to keep calib. simple. Do believe that the 40 S&W is the best small light weight round for concealed carry.
jocko
12-26-2010, 04:35 PM
TusonMTB, Thks.4 the heads-up on Cinnamon. I have and use PM40 CTL in pocket carry. I am a 45APC guy, Use a P45 replacement for my Colt 3 1/2 Dbl Eagle I used to have as a hip carry, much lighter and very accurate. I am going to try the PM45, to keep calib. simple. Do believe that the 40 S&W is the best small light weight round for concealed carry.
cinammon toast, any chance of that stuff subbing for my regular cinammon:behindsofa:
mr surveyor
12-26-2010, 06:16 PM
dang, the hall monitor is here.... does this mean I have to grow up now:D
what's up Tuscon?
surv:)
Bawanna
12-26-2010, 06:17 PM
Well guess what we have here is positive proof that there is an exception to every rule.
Cinamon toast does rock though. Haven't had any in years, is this part of behalving in public? If thats the case I'm through with this behalving stuff.
Bawanna
12-26-2010, 07:28 PM
I thought you were the hall monitor. I was trying to be good. I use TW25 but have and still use the Shooters choice also. Guess I'm not a one grease man?
Bawanna
12-26-2010, 09:36 PM
Cbob buys a pass everytime.
mr surveyor
12-26-2010, 11:00 PM
Welcome, Tuscon.... as you might notice, like some "other places", we often tend to stray off topic after everyone's had their say...and sometimes come full circle back to where it started..... also the new guy gets hall monitor duty for at least a day.... Bawanna has to have help with this unruly bunch
surv:)
p.s..... the kid "wannabe" next door signed a contract, payed for all the inspections, and is waiting for the final verdict on the loan. Still a scary thought knowing what it's gonna take for them to own that place, especially since he works for me:eek:
jeep45238
12-26-2010, 11:36 PM
http://www.m1garandrifle.com/images/G79acleaningkitbutt.jpg
Yes, I really do use this to grease slide rails - since the only tub I was able to find was empty, it got filled with axle grease. Works like a charm!
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