The first lesson is to try to avoid mixing cleaners and lubricants from different companies. You just don’t know what the interactions can be. It’s kind of like being a kid getting your first chemistry set, just before the house blows up. (Disclaimer: That’s a joke)

Next, read instructions. And better yet, do some research. The internet can be quite helpful, and dually deceiving considering you don’t know who you are listening to. Very few people commenting on gun care, even within the industry, truly know what they are talking about. However, asking experienced gun owners, store owners and gunsmiths and firearm manufacturers’ customer service contacts should help as you develop your own opinion. However, your own experience will ultimately be your guide.

Over the years, the leading complaint I hear about is what is causing rust or other damage to firearms. Most of the solvents and lubricants are intended for gunmetal. [Please read that one more time before proceeding]. Good. Now, if you are talking about a wood stock, a rubber grip or a polymer part, you want to only use gentle cleaning products on those materials, and really try to not let gunmetal products drip onto them. That’s a good start.

When it comes to treating gunmetal, you can decide between a CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant) all-in-one product, or, if you have more time, follow thru with the more effective C+LP solution. In other words, clean, and then lubricate. Traditional leading brand gun solvents, either in aerosol or liquid form, tend to let you down. They tend to be stronger, messier and leave residue. This is important to note.

Most people run into problems when they apply lube to guns, only later to find out that they actually wiped it only solvent residue. The rule is, whatever material makes contact with the metal owns the performance. In other words, if solvent residue is on those parts, the lube can’t possibly be as effective. And, you will get interaction. The solvent, by its nature, will be eating away at the lube and will possibly create a worse residue. That is why you want to apply lubricant to clean, dry parts.

Solvent residue is destructive to lubricants, and to gunmetal. Ideally, you want to use a cleaner, and then get it off before lubing. Some of those traditional products will even gum up, if not leach onto those non-metal parts. You don’t want that. I learned a long time ago that a great practice after using gun solvent is to wipe the parts down with 91% isopropyl alcohol, which is cheap and effective. As you know, the rubbing alcohol evaporates very quickly, and you will see evidence of solvent residue on your clean cotton patches. That’s what you are using, right? Solvent residue is often amber. And if there’s harder buildup like copper fouling, you will notice brilliant colors like teal green or purple. That will require a copper solvent. Once again, followed up by alcohol if possible.

When lubricating with something of better quality, you shouldn’t need to over-lubricate. This is too common, hearing about people who over do it because I guess it’s human nature to not trust what you don’t see. In general, polish gun oil, grease and other consistencies into gun parts until it isn’t visible. But really, you will see some kind of finish that’s probably glossy. If you see the white of the grease, for example, there’s probably too much on there. Think about it, finely precisioned gun parts don’t have space between them to have anything obstructing movement. Over lubricating slows parts down. And when it comes to a coating of tacky solvent, that’s the leading culprit for causing a jam.

My opinions are based on 30 years of direct experience and having worked with experts from dozens of firearm manufacturers, along with 1000s of gunsmiths, armorers, warfighters, competitive shooters and regular, everyday gun nuts. Combined, that concensus of opinion tells me I am on the right track. So, please listen and do it better. Good luck.

#tetragun patented and introduced the gun industry’s first synthetic gun grease and gun lubricant in 1985. Many products have come and gone since, and some are very good, but others are no better than what you cook with, so don’t overpay for a good story or a sexy looking bottle.

#gun #guns #firearm #firearms #guncare #2a #gunlube #gunsmith #gunsmithing #armorer #firearmmaintenance #guntips #gunsolvent #9mm