What's The Best Gun Grease?

[mjsdas]

I know that there are differing opinions on whether or not to use a grease on semi-auto pistols. I am one of those that prefers to use a lubricant on all the metal components of a pistol and also grease on the heavy contact points. I've been doing Internet research on this subject and so far it appears that the three most popular gun grease products are Tetra Gun Grease, Jardine's Extreme, and Mil-Comm TW25B. I'd appreciate opinions on which gun grease is the best and why?

[zhills]

I have heard mentioned here good things about TW25B, but the price of these synthetices are high. I just been using Hopps Gun Oil Elite. a little goes a long way.
I cut the applicator tube for a very small hole. Also apply to Q-tip, helps get into tight areas. I also use Rem oil spray can with Teflon. Both seem to do a good job!
Just my opinion.

[TucsonMTB]

Shooter's Choice works best for me. I have tried several others, including an offering from Wilson Combat. But, always come back to Shooter's Choice in its easy-to-use syringe.

It is a temperature-stable synthetic that adheres well but does not slow down the action of my smaller pistols.

Cabela's (http://www.cabelas.com/solvents-lubes-bluing-shooters-choice-synthetic-weather-high-tech-grease.shtml) carries it if your local stores do not.

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_221055_999_01?rgn=0,0,428,2000&scl=5.2631578947368425&fmt=jpeg&id=3O44LpBpF6SWbOC3hc_3wk

[CJB]

The give and take... which lube... is something that needs to be considered in conjunction with the use of the gun.

Oils evaporate, fly off, and generally just "dry out". While wet, oils tend to attract dust, but not bigger stuff, like sand or heavy grit. They will collect burn powder and thicken.

Grease tends to not fly off as easily, and they tend to not dry out. They do hold dust and grit, and also sand and larger stuff, because they have the thicker consistency, and staying power to do so.

Consider the use of the gun - target only, daily carry, prior to range session, or weeks - perhaps - of unattended carry. Consider the heat - which makes oils run, and grease thin out.

Consider the environment - pocket carry? Holster? Nightstand? Range box only?

And consider the parts of the gun that contact each other and the manner and force in which they do so.

~~

I like grease for barrel locking surfaces. Those take the highest amount of abuse, and grease does the best job there - since it stays put. And... I tend to not shoot 100's of rounds through the gun at a time. When I go to the range, I usually will carry some CLP and thin stuff out a bit with it, if the pistol gets sluggish.

Oil on triggers, pins, drawbars, hammers, sears... etc. Low force contact areas.

Thin grease - like TW25b on slide rails.

~~~

Using green synthetic marine grease for locking surfaces on the barrel and slide. This stuff does not fly off, period. It stays put, and does not thin out much with heat. Just a dab... very light dab... is all ya need.

CLP and/or USGI weapons oil where oil is needed.

TW25b serves as light grease for rails and sometimes for trigger work, where the gun will be shot a lot, and get hot. TW25b does tend to thin and run with heat.

YMMV, see the lube chart, best of luck, etc etc

[jlottmc]

What he said^^^^. I have used white lithium grease to good effect, but really took some time to learn that.

[yqtszhj]

There was this guy that goes to the range where I shoot that had some high temp grease that he always used sold by Radio Shack of all places. He said his guns ran shooth as silk with it and it never runs. I dont know if I would try it but it was a huge tube he had for only 3 dollars I believe. If I remember right it wasn't lithium it was almost clear.

[garyb]

Tetra Gun Grease, Jardine's Extreme, and Mil-Comm TW25B.

Shooter's Choice

green synthetic marine grease

white lithium grease
Probably will all work just fine, plus the many more that have not been mentioned just yet.

I'm using MilTW25B right now, per Jocko's suggestion and it is working just fine. I've tried oils and silicones too and they all worked just fine too. Grease does stay put and does not "appear" to evaporate - even though the parts are probably still lubricated and protected with oils and dry products...we just don't see it. We like to see it, so we grease it.

Because I can see it, I believe a grease on the rails, barrel and even the recoil spring guides is best choice; with good oil on the rest. TW25B products may cost a little more, but the TW25B oils and grease products work compatibly, so that's what I use.

However, I wouldn't sweat it too much. Keep it clean and lubed and if your gun runs well with it...use it. Have fun, shoot, dry fire train, and be prepared. Just my opinion.

[wyntrout]

I was using Tetra grease on the rails and in the grooves... just a little... and Tetra oil on everything else. lately, I've just been using the Tetra oil on everything. I wet the rails and use a bit in the grooves. Elsewhere, I put a drop here and there and work the action and then use a paper towel or rag to wipe off the excess. Dripping is not good and too wet in some areas can be blown out with firing pressures. :eek:

Wynn:)

[ricklee4570]

Gun Butter Grease, its not too thick, doesnt dry up, stays put and seems to lubricate very well in my opinion.

[Quickdraw]

Yeah I use gun butter on the slide rails and any other areas that only need a very small drop. Tetra grease on the surface areas of the barrel and slide.

[GreenMarauder]

The day I got my CW9 I hosed it with the brake cleaner then used a toothpick to dab some anti-seize ( the copper looking stuff on new Glocks) on the rails/grooves and some Mobile1 on everything else. After the first 100 or so rounds I poped the slide and added some mobile1 to the rails. Now with around 500+ down the pipe no problems yet, knock on wood. I just hope it smooths out like my Glocks soon.

[wayneo1]

I think its up to you, what you like and suites you. Its all good, I have never had lube failure of any type. Sometimes I overthink the small stuff. Although I will say mobile 1 will be next, or marvel mystery oil. :)

[TheTman]

I use STP oil treatment on the rails of my CW's. Wanted something heavier than gun oil, but didn't want to make a trip to the store one evening when I was cleaning up after a trip to the range, so I just used some of the STP I had on hand. Seems to work great, and stays on a long time. I've seen no ill effects on the slide or frame from it.

[TucsonMTB]

I use STP oil treatment on the rails of my CW's. Wanted something heavier than gun oil, but didn't want to make a trip to the store one evening when I was cleaning up after a trip to the range, so I just used some of the STP I had on hand. Seems to work great, and stays on a long time. I've seen no ill effects on the slide or frame from it.
Cool! STP certainly has sufficient film strength.

It has also resurrected an engine or two in my penniless youth, not all mine either. One can should last a lifetime too :D

Somehow, I don't expect this application to show up in their advertising, but you never know.

[O'Dell]

My new Kimber says in the manual DO NOT TO USE GREASE in a Kimber. I'm sorry Mr. Kimber, but I have been using grease on the rails and barrels of semi's for over 40 years with excellent results, so if you'll excuse me, I'll do what I have always done. HK also does not recommend grease. I have been doing it on my HK's for two years, without one failure of any kind.

I know that these fine companies actually built the pistols, but I've been doing it my way for almost twice as long a Kimber has been in business.

[Dinger]

I 've been using Super Lube (light-type grease) for a number of years and it has done well. Use it on all bearing surfaces on semi-auto pistols & the hinge pin on Shotguns. Used it on my Trap guns for many years back in the day. I don't see a need for it on revolvers unless you pop the sideplate off and use sparingly on the S&W rebound slide/block and the like.

[steve666]

Of the three you list I've heard good things about the Tetra products. Personally I use GunSlick Graphite http://traderbrothers.com/images/library/brs/large/0887-1133.jpg

[bamaman]

Slide glide on barrel and rails, Weapon Shield oil on everything else.
Good stuff

[SD976]

Gunzilla. It is all I use anymore.

[MrToad]

I use Slide Glide (http://brianenos.com/pages/slide-glide.html) myself. Just make sure you get the name right.;)

[melissa5]

I've been using Militec-1 grease on the rails.

[Brittanyman]

I shoot Tactical Matches, and a lot of guys use Mobil One High Mileage Synthetic oil on their AR carbines. They showed me their bolts after shooting a hundred rounds or more and they were still wet.

I've used it in my Sig 556 and it works well. I bought a can of Mobil One Synthetic grease and have been using it on my Sig 556 and Glock 19. It works.

[jocko]

Hell soap suds will work on a damn G19. don't gtive the lube credit for that. I run Mobil one in allmy cars, My Porsche, Audi and Mercedes have a big sticker under the hood saying use Mobil One only. We sold Mobil product in our Goodyear business for 69 years. I run Mobil One V-twin in allmy Harleys.

I don't use any Mobil products on my guns. My feeling is that if you have a gun that works great with Mobil One, one is giving to much credit to the lubricant.Most of the chemical additives in Mobil One has nadda effect or value in a gun.. but if u like it and it works for you, who am I say not to do it..

[Rotorflyr]

I use (basically) this:
http://www.permatex.com/images/DisplayImage.asp?210|/images/ProductPhotos/77164.jpg
I say basically, because the stuff I have is
a nickel anti-seize but the bottle and part #
is different (guessing it's from old stock),
I have had really good results with it.


And I know someone who said they are using this:
http://www.permatex.com/images/DisplayImage.asp?210|/images/ProductPhotos/24115.jpg
and have claimed good results as well.

[Bawanna]

Hell soap suds will work on a damn G19. don't gtive the lube credit for that. I run Mobil one in allmy cars, My Porsche, Audi and Mercedes have a big sticker under the hood saying use Mobil One only. We sold Mobil product in our Goodyear business for 69 years. I run Mobil One V-twin in allmy Harleys.

I don't use any Mobil products on my guns. My feeling is that if you have a gun that works great with Mobil One, one is giving to much credit to the lubricant.Most of the chemical additives in Mobil One has nadda effect or value in a gun.. but if u like it and it works for you, who am I say not to do it..

You have a Porsche, Audi AND a Mercedes? I looked inside a Mercedes once, I was careful not to touch anything even though the owner was there and the window was down. :o I'm usually not like this but I'm a little bit jealous.
I know I'll get a fish head in the mail for this.

[cw45fan]

I'm yet another (cheapskate and) fan of STP Oil Treatment as gun lube.

[apdturbo]

i use rem-oil, cheap and readily available at walmart. plus its got vci's that bond to the metal to aid against corrosion, all my pistols have always run buttery smooth with it, its light and my pistols clean up easily.

[Armadillo]

I was convinced to come over here from Sigfourm and pitch my new grease to you fellas. I hear many oil and grease arguments at gun shows and on the internet and many are the same. Motor oil, high end, old standards. The grease I sell is a synthetic Aluminum complex grease at www.lubrikit.com. It was designed for million dollar food manufacturing machines and is of course food safe (H-1). One of the main reasons I like it (doesn't poison me every time I use it) and it won't stain your clothes either.
I learned about it from Grant Cunningham's aritcle lubrication 101 (http://www.grantcunningham.com/lubricants101.html)
I figured hey that sound like some pretty good stuff but it comes in 35Lb pails. I bought some and it works as advertised, so I decided to put it in syringes and bottles and sell it. Give it a try...I am having a forum special which is four 15cc syringes and a 4oz bottle of oil for $22 shipped http://www.lubrikit.com/special.htm. I can offer a few sample to whomever wants to try it out first, just send me a pm.


Thanks

[kayl]

I am a big fan of the following:

Brian Enos Slide Glide (For my range/safe queen Sigs)
Slipstream Grease and Oil (Carry/duty gun)
TW25B (Used to be for carry/duty gun)
Gun Butter (Replaced by slipstream)

Can you tell that I like the slipstream stuff? I'll keep using Slide Glide Lite for my range/safe queens,but Slipstream is where it's at IMO.

[jocko]

yule tide season rigt now Bawanna,no horse heads set during the monthof December. so u safe, FIRE AWAY.

Gloves are off come Jan. 1 though.

Probalby lubricants and ammo are two of the most discussed topics on any gun forum, No set answer for either. Use what u like, Use what works great for u. Years ago not many lubes were out there, let alone the big discussions on them either. Course we now have the internet to fokk things up and mess with our minds to...

[getsome]

I like the Shooters choice oil and grease but a lot of people just use synthetic motor oil and grease like Moble 1 and it works just fine....

FYI... I found out the hard way that some products don't mix well...I cleaned a S&W 686 revolver and used CLP along with some Rem oil and it gummed it up to the point the cylinder froze up and wouldn't turn...

Had to use a can of brake cleaner to to get that goo out of the works and after a good cleaning and only using Rem oil all was well...I stopped using CLP after that even though it's a very good product and many people swear by it and by itself it would have been just fine but it doesn't get along with Rem oil at all.....

[muggsy]

I'm not a big fan of white lithium grease in guns. It has a tendency to dry out and cake. It's not a high temperature grease. Any good high temp wheel bearing grease will do a much better job of lubricating.

[balrog006]

I 've been using Super Lube (light-type grease) for a number of years and it has done well. Use it on all bearing surfaces on semi-auto pistols & the hinge pin on Shotguns. Used it on my Trap guns for many years back in the day. I don't see a need for it on revolvers unless you pop the sideplate off and use sparingly on the S&W rebound slide/block and the like.


I have used Super Lube (clear, med to light, clear grease w/PTFE) on all my autos, Kahr's included for years. A little tube goes a long way:)

[Jeff00042]

Any idea why some companies would recommend against using grease?

[John222]

I always use Magnaube-G .

[TucsonMTB]

I 've been using Super Lube (light-type grease) for a number of years and it has done well. Use it on all bearing surfaces on semi-auto pistols & the hinge pin on Shotguns. Used it on my Trap guns for many years back in the day. I don't see a need for it on revolvers unless you pop the sideplate off and use sparingly on the S&W rebound slide/block and the like.

I have used Super Lube (clear, med to light, clear grease w/PTFE) on all my autos, Kahr's included for years. A little tube goes a long way
http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE3-5758517dt.jpg
Is this the the stuff you guys are using? Reading the description on the Ace Hardware page makes me want to run down there and pick up a tube for six bucks! Being clear, it should be perfect for those little metal parts on my PM40 frame that actually touch the slide front and rear. :)



3 oz
Multi purpose lubricant w/Syncolon (PTFE)
Prevents rust & corrosion while reducing friction
Repels dirt, dust, grit and grime
Dielectric
Impervious to salt water
USDA authorized, rated H-1
Temperature range -45F to +450F
Clear, non-toxic

[jocko]

Any idea why some companies would recommend against using grease?

I canthink of is that they only sell "oil":53:

[TucsonMTB]

Any idea why some companies would recommend against using grease?
Grease comes in so many forms, including very sticky stuff that will slow the movement of lightly sprung gun mechanisms. (Think axle grease or that thick, black, tarry looking stuff you used to see on tractor trailer engagement plates) Some greases even have large particles that would wedge into areas where clearances are small, further slowing down the action. (Think about some of the copper bearing anti-seize greases)

Bad news if someone just grabs something thinking that, "grease is grease whatever it's original purpose". ;)

Edited to add: Jocko's point is well taken too!

[jouesdeveau]

I use Ballistol on all my guns. Not only a good lubricant, but it removes lead and copper. And I've heard that it heals minor skin wounds (no kiddin'!).

[muggsy]

I have heard mentioned here good things about TW25B, but the price of these synthetices are high. I just been using Hopps Gun Oil Elite. a little goes a long way.
I cut the applicator tube for a very small hole. Also apply to Q-tip, helps get into tight areas. I also use Rem oil spray can with Teflon. Both seem to do a good job!
Just my opinion.

Real men use pipe cleaners, not Q-tips. :)

[muggsy]

Any idea why some companies would recommend against using grease?

Grease + dirt = lapping compound and accelerates wear. A light oiling is all that is necessary.

[oldjarhead]

I know I am 11 years late to this thread, but what about Enos Slide Glide standard ?(red in color) Light grease. Recently bought a Kahr P9. I saw the sticky on lube points with oil. Is it any different with this light gun grease?

[Bawanna]

Not to me. If two parts rub together they need lube. I'm also convinced that there isn't probably a whole lot of difference in the various oils and grease. Some of course seem to work better than others.
The main thing is that there is lube where it needs to be.
I have favorites of course but probably not any better really than anybody else's.

[berettabone]

Actually, the best grease is bacon grease. Pros..........smells like bacon, stays fluid when warm for quite some time. When shooting, it smells like breakfast. Everyone at the range gets hungry and leaves...Cons.......it smells like bacon; it messes up your holsters, it gets on the furniture, and cats and dogs follow you everywhere.

[Bawanna]

All good points!

[getsome]

Go to an auto parts store and buy a good grease gun and several tubes of Lucas “Red N Tacky” grease and you will have a lifetime supply of gun grease and a tool to take care of anything else in the garage that has a fitting or needs a shot of grease…..”Red N Tacky” is about the best multi use high performance grease on the market……Many products marketed for gun use are no different from other products but you pay more for them and get a lot less of it…….