Oils and Lubes

One of the hottest debates about gun lubes is whether to use motor oil to lubricate a firearm. 

Now, some gun owners claim that you can and that it works. Others see it as a bad idea and will not use it no matter what because it is specifically formulated for motor engines. 

Given that lubes are formulated for firearms, it doesn’t make much sense to use motor oil to lube your gun. But for the sake of those who are curious as to whether you can use motor oil as a gun lube, we are going to compare the 0W-20 motor oil vs gun lube.

Comparison

The 0w-20 grade motor oil is a synthetic motor oil commonly used for lubing the moving parts of a motor engine. It does more than provide these parts with a protective layer against corrosion, harmful deposits, and dirt. It also helps reduce friction allowing the parts to move smoothly. 

The oil has a low viscosity. In fact, the letter “W” stands for winter, meaning that it is formulated to flow easily through the engine parts even in extremely cold weather. 

This could explain why some people use this motor oil to lube their firearms. Typically, a thin oil is needed to reach those areas of a gun that you cannot easily reach with a gun cleaning patch. 

A gun lube, on the other hand, is specifically formulated for firearms. It protects the metallic and moving parts of a gun from rust and corrosion. It also helps reduce friction and keep a gun in good working condition. 

There are different types of gun lubes, and this is based on their formulation. Some gun lubes contain petroleum distillates, others do not, while others are purely synthetic. 

Some gun experts recommend not using a petroleum-based gun lube because it attracts dirt and dirt and holds powder residue. The good news is that there are many gun lubes that don’t contain petroleum distillates. 

In short, gun lubes have their own unique formulas, and they are specifically designed for lubing guns.

Why you cannot use the 0w-20 motor oil as a substitute for gun lube

Although the 0w-20 motor oil is a synthetic oil, much like many gun lubes, it does not contain a lot of the rust inhibitors you find in gun lubes. It does a good job of lubing the moving parts of a gun, allowing them to move smoothly and without friction. But that is just about all it does. 

You can use it while hunting just to keep those moving parts running well if you don’t have a gun lube in hand. But if you want to lube your gun to protect it against rust and corrosion, the 0w-20 is not the ideal solution. In fact, you should not use it at all if you want to protect your gun from the effects of use.  

You need a gun lube that can protect your gun’s interior and exterior metallic parts from corrosion. And not just for a short period of time, but for a lengthy period. 

Some gun experts say it’s alright to use 0w-20 or other synthetic motor oil to lube the inside part of your gun, but not the outside. But this is only when you are using your gun. 

If you plan on lubing your gun before storage, it is recommended to use a gun lube. The reason is that even when a gun is in storage, it can become rusty if it’s not lubed with an oil that contains rust inhibitors. 

Final Remarks

The 0w-20 motor oil is not a good substitute for gun lube because it does not do a good job of protecting the metallic parts of a gun from rust and corrosion. You can use it to lube the moving parts of a gun to get them working smoothly. Plus, it also helps reduce friction.  

But to protect your gun from rust and corrosion, it is recommended to use a quality gun lube because it contains rust inhibitors. On top of that, it is not toxic on the skin like motor oils, and it is resistant to oxidation.  

The XF7 gun lube is a gun grease formulated for modern weapons like rifles and handguns. It is a waterproof gun grease with corrosion inhibitors. It is non-toxic and does not drip, melt, or run when heated.

The grease can withstand temperatures between -30 degrees F. to 500 degrees F. It is a gun grease that you can use in harsh weather conditions without a problem. 

Besides that, it is used as a lube, and it is capable of protecting the metallic parts of your gun from rust and corrosion even under saltwater or freshwater. It does not evaporate, and because of this, it will stay in place even if you immerse it in boiling freshwater or saltwater. Some greases tend to boil off, wash off or melt off, but not this particular grease. 

It’s just one of those gun greases that do well in just about any weather condition or environment.

This makes it ideal for hunting or target shooting in any weather condition. Many duck hunters that use this product say that they have had great success with it. They have seen that it works well as a corrosion inhibitor, and it lubes well. 

How to use the XF7 gun lube

To get the best results with the XF7 gun grease, you need to apply it over a clean and dry metallic surface. In the gun world, it is common knowledge that you need first to clean your gun and dry it properly before lubing it. 

You can wash your gun with soap and water or use a gun cleaning solvent to clean your gun before lubing it with the XF7 gun lube. 

You only need to use a small amount of the gun grease. A few drops are more than enough. Use a cleaning patch or a clean cloth to wipe down your gun with the lube, and make sure to remove any excess grease.

If you want to use it to lube the barrel of your gun, use a patch that is lightly coated with the gun grease. And before doing that, make sure the bore of your gun is clean. 

If you need to remove the XF7 grease from the metallic parts of your gun, you can do that with soap and water. 

Applications

The XF7 gun lube has been seen to work well on AR-15, M16, and M4 rifles, and many Remington, Winchester, and Beretta models, among other weapon systems. 

The grease does not contain Teflon, so if it burns off, it will not create hydrofluoric acid as greases with Teflon do. 

You can also use the gun grease on tools and tactical knives. It’s also safe on O-rings, polymers, rubber, and plastics. 

Wrapping Up

The XF7 is a gun grease that many firearm owners have found success with. It is waterproof and stays in place even when immersed underwater. It offers long-term protection against rust and corrosion, and it does well in harsh conditions. 

Some gun owners prefer to use gun grease over gun oil for lubing. Both work well, but gun grease does a better job protecting your firearm from corrosion because it stays in place longer than gun oil. 

Safari Charlie Gun Lube is a synthetic lube that doesn’t contain silicone, wax, graphite, or Teflon. It is a cleaner, lube, and protectant, and it is formulated to lift carbon residue, grease, grime, dirt, and rust.  

The lube does not have a pungent smell of chemicals, as you find with some other gun lubes. Some users who have used it say that it smells like fresh oranges. This is not a bad thing, although some people prefer odorless gun lubes. 

That said, the gun lube is made in the U.S., and it has gained plenty of favorable ratings and feedback over the years. Many users say that it is effective. It cleans and lubes well, and it’s not messy, which is what many gun owners like in a quality gun lube. 

So here are some key functions of the Safari Charlie Gun Lube in more detail. 

Functions

Cleaner

The Safari Charlie gun lube is formulated to remove powder residue, dirt, grease, and grime. Its unique formula does not contain any ingredients that attract dirt, powder residue, or dust.

It does not dry out or evaporate, which allows it to work its magic of removing carbon fouling, dirt, and grime. Based on user feedback, the lube does a good job at removing all kinds of dirt and powder buildup, and you don’t need to use much of it. A few drops will do the trick. 

The good thing about this is that you won’t need a cleaning solvent.

This lube is said to remove stubborn carbon fouling and gun powder burns. 

Lubricant

Safari Charlie gun lube does more than cleaning; it’s also a lubricant. Every gun owner knows that it is important to lubricate a gun to protect its metallic parts from corrosion and rust. It also protects the moving parts from friction and heating, which can affect the performance of the gun. 

The unique formula in this gun lube does not dry out or evaporate, and therefore, leaves a thin film of protection against corrosion. It’s also important to note that it does not attract dust or dirt.

Also, with this lube, you won’t experience gumming, which you get with petroleum-based gun lubes. Gumming together with carbon and dirt buildup causes friction, which as a result, causes the moving parts of a firearm to wear out quickly.  

The lube also neutralizes acid from fingerprints and repels moisture giving your firearm the much-needed protection against the effects of use.   

Protectant

The lube leaves a layer of protection without being slimy. It provides long-lasting protection, which is important, particularly if you don’t use your gun regularly. 

To keep your firearm in good working condition, you need to ensure that it’s properly cleaned and lubed before storage. Lubing your gun will not just protect it from rust and corrosion; it will also extend its life. 

Advantages

Some of the key advantages the Safari Charlie gun lube offers include:

• Long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion
• Protection against gumming and carbon and dirt buildup
• Protection against friction and heating
• Neutralizes acid fingerprints
• Repels moisture

Final Remarks

There are many gun lubes out there, all of which claim to offer your gun protection against rust and corrosion and remove dirt, grease, and carbon powder. It’s all a matter of finding the right one. 

The Safari Charlie gun lube has lived up to its claims based on user feedback. It does what a quality gun lube should do, and it is quite affordable. So if you are looking for a good gun lube, give the lube a try, but you can also check out other alternatives. 

Finding a good lubricant for your gun is essential, and the most commonly used are wet lubes, but more gun owners are starting to use dry lubes. 

In any case, you need to keep your firearm in good working condition always, ready to use when necessary. More importantly, if it is a carry gun, which you use for personal defense. Therefore, it is essential to find good-quality gun lube. 

The difference between dry gun lube and wet gun lube

The main difference between a dry gun lube and a wet one is that a dry gun lube is usually in a solid state and does not contain any oil. Some dry lubes come in powder form, and others in a liquid form which turns solid upon application. Some good examples of dry lubes include Teflon, Molybdenum disulfide, and graphite. 

Graphite works wells to minimize friction and wear; however, it can cause corrosion in aluminum and steel. Teflon is a good lubricant, but it only works well in certain conditions. Molybdenum disulfide or moly is also a good lubricant that stays in place, but it forms acids when it comes into contact with water. 

A wet gun lube, on the other hand, is an oil. It can either be a petroleum-based oil or a synthetic oil. Wet lubes are usually blended with different additives to enhance their capabilities. This is why you find that many wet gun lubes effectively remove carbon fouling, dirt, and grime and protect a gun’s metallic parts from rust and corrosion. 

Many of them function as cleaners, lubricants, and protectants. Besides that, they stay in place after application to provide a firearm with long-term protection against the effects of use and extend its life. 

Generally speaking, both dry and wet gun lubes do a good job of reducing friction and heat, which tends to increase wear. However, dry lubes are ideal for short-term protection against friction. But they do nothing to protect against rust and corrosion. 

Wet lubes, on the other hand, reduce friction and provide long-term protection against rust and corrosion. That said, which lube would be the best to use?

It all depends on how frequently or infrequently you use your gun.

The more you use your firearm, the dirtier it will get. Wet lubes are formulated to stay in place, and although they don’t attract dirt, they do hold dirt. That means that dirt sticks to them. 

This is not the same with dry lubes because they don’t hold dirt since they dry up quickly. And this is one significant advantage dry gun lubes have over wet lubes. So, if you shoot your gun frequently, a dry lube will come in handy for smooth shooting and keeping your gun clean.   

But on the other hand, choosing to use dry lube to lubricate your gun is not a good idea. That’s because dry lubes are simply not suitable lubricants for long-term protection. Using a dry lube on a gun, you intend to put in storage would be a big mistake because the lube will do nothing to protect your firearm against rust and corrosion. 

While if you use a wet lube to lube your gun before storage, it will provide adequate protection against corrosion for a long time. So although dry lubes will keep your gun clean and reduce friction, they will not help protect it against corrosion.    

In short, choosing which type of lube to use on your gun largely depends on how frequently you use it and how clean you want it to be after shooting rounds. 

Each lube has its pros and cons, and ultimately, you have to pick the lube that suits your situation. The best advice is to get both. These gun lubes don’t cost much. You can use a dry lube when shooting rounds and a wet lube to protect your firearm from the effects of moisture. 

The Pro Gold gun lube has garnered a lot of praise for being a good lube. Many users say that it’s not messy to use, and it keeps the moving parts of a gun running smoothly. As per user feedback, it seems that it performs better than other oils. 

So let’s dive deeper and understand what this lube is all about and what it can do. 

Features 

The Pro Gold gun lube is thick, but it’s not too thick that application is a problem. It spreads well, and it does not evaporate. 

The lube is both a cleaner and lubricant. It contains additives and agents that break down carbon fouling and dirt. In fact, some users say that it does a much better job at flushing out gunk than other oils.  

Besides that, the lube does not run or burn because it is formulated to withstand up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and, therefore, performs well in high temperatures. It also does not gum up, which means you can use it in cold temperatures as well.  

This lube is ideal for lubing the metallic parts of your firearm like the rails, barrel, bolt, and other moving parts. You can use it to clean and lube just about any gun, fishing equipment, and bows.  

It does more than remove dirt and keep the moving parts of your gun in good working condition, and it also prevents rust and corrosion.  

Since it stays in place after application, you can use it to lubricate your gun before storage. Plus, it provides long-term protection. So you don’t have to keep lubing your gun every few weeks when you are not using it. A single application will last for quite some time. 

Application 

The Pro Gold gun lube comes in a syringe for easy application and to prevent messiness. 

To remove dirt and carbon fouling, you need a cleaning patch and brush. The first step is to wet your brush and give your gun a good scrub, then use a patch to wipe the loosened dirt and carbon fouling. You may need to use several patches to remove all the dirt. 

Once you are satisfied that the gun is clean, take a clean patch and wet it with a few drops of your Pro Gold gun lube and lubricate your gun.

Don’t use too much gun lube, as this can cause performance issues.

A few drops are more than adequate to give your gun the protection it needs against rust and corrosion. And to keep it in good working condition. 

 If your gun is extremely dirty, you can use a good amount of the lube to remove stubborn dirt and carbon fouling. For best results, you should let the lube sit for about 15 to 20 minutes to let it do its work. 

Conclusion

The Pro Gold gun lube, as per user feedback, does what it says. It removes dirt and carbon fouling effectively, and it is a good lube. It will keep your gun safe from rust and corrosion, and it will help the moving parts of your gun run smoothly. 

It’s not an expensive lube, plus it comes in a syringe to minimize mess and make it easier to lube the hard-to-reach parts of your firearm.  

A good gun grease is one that functions as a cleaner, lube, and protectant. It should be able to remove stubborn carbon fouling and dirt and protect your firearm from rust and corrosion. 

The Grizzly grease gun is a three-in-one. It cleans, lubes, and protects. Furthermore, it meets military standards, and it’s a bio-based lube that’s certified by the USDA.  

Those facts alone will tell you that the grease gun lube is an excellent cleaning solution for your gun. On top of that, it’s been backed up by numerous positive user feedback. 

Features

Cleaner

The Grizzly grease gun lube is formulated to lift dirt and carbon fouling, and as per user reviews, the gun lube is an excellent cleaning solution. However, since it has a thick consistency, it is best used on warm guns, especially if you are using it to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your firearm. 

But if you use it on a cold gun, it may only be effective at cleaning those areas you can reach. For hard-to-reach areas, you may need to use a thin gun lube to get rid of dirt and powder residue in those areas. 

Other than that, the grease does a good job at loosening dirt and carbon fouling. A small amount is all you need. Make sure to let it sit for a few minutes to do its job before scrubbing the dirt. 

Lubricant

Many users have said that the Grizzly grease gun lube is a good lubricant. It will protect your gun from rust and corrosion. And it will keep your gun working smoothly in all weather conditions. 

Again, you don’t need to use a large amount for the lubing. A small amount will go a long way. A few drops will leave a nice thin film of oil, which is enough to protect your gun from rust and corrosion over an extended period of time. It also helps reduce friction and minimize jamming.  

The lube is not greasy, slippery, or oily. It’s easy to use and control, so you don’t have to worry about creating a mess while using it. 

Buying Guide 

When choosing a gun grease, it’s important you get one that is Bio-friendly and non-toxic. The Grizzly grease gun lube meets these requirements, and on top of that, it does what a good gun grease should do, it cleans and lubes. 

You want a gun grease that can easily remove carbon fouling and dirt and protect your firearm from jamming, and rust and corrosion. It should also help reduce friction and perform well in hot and cold conditions. 

Gun greases are generally not expensive, although you can find ones that are a bit pricy. But price should not be a priority when choosing a gun grease. You should focus more on its properties and capabilities. 

Conclusion

The Grizzly grease gun lube has a lot of positive user feedback and ratings, particularly as a lube. It also does a good job of cleaning, but you have to heat it because it’s way too thick. 

Some users have said they prefer to clean their firearms with a gun oil, which can reach the tight areas to remove dirt and powder residue. And then lube with the Grizzly grease gun lube. 

If you are a firearm owner, you know that lubing your gun can keep it from getting rusty and keep it performing optimally. It is also essential to clean your gun after each time you use it. Failure to do this can lead to dirt buildup and carbon fouling, which may lead to malfunction issues.

What’s great is that the market is saturated with gun lube oils and gun greases; therefore, you can always find something to treat your gun. 

But the question is, which is the best to use, a gun lube oil or gun grease?

To answer this question, we will discuss what gun oil and gun grease are and their similarities and differences. 

Gun Lube Oil

Gun lubes oils are either petroleum-based or synthetic-based. Most people today prefer to use all synthetic gun oils because they don’t gum up, nor do they hold dirt and powder residue. These are problems you find with petroleum-based gun oils, which explains why they are less popular. 

That said, gun lube oils have a low viscosity and, therefore, can reach the tight spaces of a gun that are difficult to reach with a gun cleaning patch. Each gun lube oil has its own unique formula, and therefore, the temperature each can withstand varies.   

But generally, most gun lubes oils can withstand extremely high and low temperatures. Besides that, good quality gun oils don’t evaporate, run or melt, and neither are they greasy or messy. 

The other thing is that most of them function as cleaners and lubes, or cleaners, lubes, and protectants(CLP). Most gun owners prefer to use CLPs because they are convenient and economical. 

Let’s be honest; nothing beats a gun lube oil that can lift dirt and powder residue easily, lube well, and provide your firearm with protection against rust and corrosion.

Lastly, gun lubes oils are easy to use. Most of them come with applicators or spray bottles for easy application. They are also affordable, which is a plus point if you own a collection of guns or use your firearm regularly. 

Gun Grease

Gun Grease is formulated with the same ingredients as gun lube oil; however, gun grease is thickened. In other words, it contains a thickener that holds the ingredients together. This is why it is thicker than gun lube oil. 

It’s commonly used for lubing the moving parts of a gun to keep them running smoothly and helps reduce friction, which minimizes wear and tear. It also prevents jamming and other gun malfunction issues and protects the exposed moving parts of a gun from catching dirt and dust.  

Besides that, it also used a cleaner, but it’s not quite as effective at cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of a gun as gun lube oil because of its thickness. So generally, it is a superb solution for keeping the moving parts of your gun working well, reducing friction, and preventing wear and tear. 

However, gun grease has some drawbacks. For one, it’s not the ideal gun care solution for long-term protection because it does not contain rust inhibitors. Secondly, it is not a great option for gun cleaning the interior parts of a gun because it is too thick.  

Final Remarks

If you own a firearm, you need something to keep it working well and protect it from rust and corrosion. Depending on how frequently you use your firearm, you can use both gun grease and gun lube oil. 

For long-term protection against rust and corrosion, gun lube oil is the ideal solution. Gun grease is a good solution when firing rounds when you need to keep those moving parts working smoothly. 

If you own an AR-15 rifle, you need to clean and lube it regularly to keep it functioning properly and well-maintained. But the big question is, what parts of your AR-15 need lubrication? 

Generally, the bolt system is the only part of your AR-15 rifle that requires regular lubrication. Other parts can be lightly lubed, like the charging handle and bore, but they don’t need regular lubrication. 

Generally, to clean and lube your AR-15 rifle, you need a quality gun lube that removes dirt and carbon fouling easily and lubes well. You can choose to get a cleaner and a lube separately, but you can also get a gun lube that functions as a cleaner, lubricant, and protectant. 

It’s all up to you; what is important is to get a good lube that will do a good job of removing dirt and powder residue and provide protection against rust and corrosion.

You could choose to go with gun grease, gun lube oil, or dry lube. It all depends on the environment. Each of them has certain pros and cons. 

Gun lube oils do a great job at removing dirt and carbon fouling, and they also protect against rust and corrosion. Quality gun lube oils don’t evaporate, run or melt; they are not messy or greasy, and they can withstand high and low temperatures. 

Gun greases are thicker than gun lube oils, and they are ideal for lubing, particularly the exterior metallic parts of a rifle that are exposed to the elements. They help reduce friction and keep the moving parts of a gun working smoothly. However, they don’t work well as cleaners because they have a thick consistency, and they are not the best for lubing in extremely cold temperatures. 

Dry lubes are ideal for extremely dry conditions, but they don’t do much to reduce friction as gun lube oils and gun greases. 

It’s worth mentioning that some people use motor oil to lube their rifles. Synthetic motor oil will lube well and help reduce friction. But it does not do a good job at providing protection against rust and corrosion. Some gun experts, in fact, say that it would not be wise to use motor oil on guns at all. 

Application

Whether you are using gun lube oil or grease to lube your AR-15, it’s never a good idea to use too much of it, as this can cause malfunction issues. It also can attract and hold debris and dirt when shooting. 

Instead, use a small amount, particularly when lubing. You can use a large amount when cleaning if you are dealing with stubborn carbon fouling, but for lubing, keep it at a minimum. 

Also, make sure to always clean your gun before lubing it to avoid dirt and carbon fouling buildup. 

Final Remarks

It is important to clean and lube your AR-15 rifle to keep it in good working condition, and extend its life. Whether you use a gun lube or grease, it is up to you. Just make sure you know the pros and cons of each. 

Cleaning your gun to remove dirt and crud is an important part of gun maintenance.

But it goes beyond that, you also need to oil your gun to prevent rust and corrosion.

A rusty gun is as bad as a dirty gun.

It is not going to shoot accurately and neither is it going to perform well. If anything, the rust can cause the gun to malfunction putting your safety in jeopardy.

And if you own a gun for self-defense, as you can imagine, the last thing you need is a gun that’s not working when you really need it to work and work well.

So if you own a gun, whether you use it regularly or not, you need to keep it in good condition. You need to ensure that it is clean and well oiled. That way, when you need to use it you are not going to have any problems with it.

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If you want your rifle to continue performing optimally, you need to clean and lubricate it regularly.

A poorly maintained rifle can have excess dirt and fouling on the inside, which can cause the rifle to clog up and reduce the accuracy of your rifle and even cause your rifle to malfunction compromising your safety. 

What’s more, is that dirt and fouling can be corrosive, and this can result in rusting and over time cause irreversible damage.

So this is the reason why cleaning and lubricating your rifle is essential. But you cannot use any lube to lubricate your AR15 rifle.

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