Often misunderstood, ignored and even misused by firearms owners who don’t understand the difference between that and oil, let alone its purpose.

Funny how some gun enthusiasts can be. Definitely opinionated and sometimes downright belligerent as they take positions on different topics in defiance of common sense. Interesting phenomena. This is the case with gun grease for some reason.

I have had gun store staff and owners around the country who have formulated an opinion that they don’t use grease for good reason (still waiting for that reason) and then go on to misinform and steer customers away from it.

Most manufacturers seem to clearly understand the benefits and specific, appropriate and preferential applications for grease on certain gun parts, yet their opinions remain unwavering. Hmmm.

Wait, now I understand, some self-proclaimed gun blog guru with too much Doritos residue on their fingers has figured it all out, clearly proving that they are smarter than anyone, reminding me of the Cartman character on South Park who led a computer gaming marathon with his friends in his basement. How far off am I?

Now let’s get serious as I lay it out for you.

1. Grease is intended for slow moving, high wear gunmetal parts.
2. Grease is not grease. They aren’t all the same though in general, the consistency of grease has a higher viscosity. It feels like more of a solid than oil.
3. Grease, by its composition, contains less of an oil based and more additives.
4. The bias against grease began with the post-WWII user community who had experience with mil-spec grease including Cosmoline which was only a mothballing formula. I am not talking about storage.
5. Advancements since, including the PTFE lube generation, have redefined what gun grease is.
6. Grease holds up better and delivers more load bearing and extreme pressure protection to reduce friction.
7. Grease is not grease (Part 2): There are different kinds of grease material that perform difference. Don’t go by just appearance or even feel.
8. NLGI Grade 1 grease is very light vs. a Grade 2 is typically described as a bearing grease that is really meant for mounts or bearing packing, not everyday shooting applications.
9. Automotive greases are a really bad choice for firearms. Why? They’re engineered for cars and trucks. If you don’t understand this statement, I’m sorry.
10. Expensive does not always mean better. Look past cool marketing and trust performance not looks.
11. If your firearm manufacturer is using grease in production, don’t question it. If you do, this is between you and your ego.
12. Use grease on semiauto handgun rails, seer pin, connector and the trigger. On ARs, the bolt carrier group. On shotguns, the choke tube threads and the main hinge, for example. You are seeing a trend here.
13. Low viscosity firearm lubricants like oil are meant for inside the bore and other fast moving parts and the gunmetal body overall.

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Use the right grease because it stays in place and delivers. Apply to clean, dry gun parts. That’s metal surfaces by the way.

Gun safety comes first. Clear the chamber and lock your firearms after a shoot. @tetragun