Mobil 1 15W 50 or 20W 50 for Gun Lube ?

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ChrisD46

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I have seen both above M1 synthetic oils listed as potentially good gun lubes .
From what I understand - the 20W 50 is a motorcycle oil without friction modifiers and the 15W 50 is a passenger car oil with friction modifiers ... Is one better than the other for using as a gun lube ? Why ?
 
Does your firearm have a oil pump? Catalytic converter? Oil fed plain bearings?

If it does than a quality motor oil is a good choice.

If your guns are like mine, a quality gun oil is probably a better solution. A good gun oil will have EP and anti-rust additives as well as being very creepy, to get between parts that can't be easily disassembled.

Personally, I using Aeroshell Fluid 18, but there are other gun oils (Royco 308CA, Royco CLP or Breakfree CLP)

Guns are a different mechanism than a engine. They have a harder service life when working and are frequently exposed to the elements.

BSW
 
I have seen people and some old timers use motor oils for gun lubes. In Vietnam the Marines were often seen using diesel oils up through about 68 when cleaning and maintenance supplies came online for the M16.

I have seen other old vets use Mobil 15w50 with STP mixed in.

However, as the previous poster mentioned, guns and engines have different needs. A quality gun lube will work better in a gun than a quality engine oil. I would only use engine oil in a pinch.
 
I agree, in an emergency, lubricating with almost anything slippery is better than trying to run a dry gun.

But if you have a choice...

BSW
 
Originally Posted By: bsmithwins
Guns are a different mechanism than a engine.


If a product is used in any manner other than exactly as intended, it's ineffective?

For those adamantly against such an idea, browse a little through some gun forums out there.
Chris -- select neither 50 weight, but from the other end of the spectrum: 0w-20.
 
I actually read M1 0W 30 met all of the key viscosity , cST , Flash point , etc. requirements to make up a fairly good gun oil ...ATF (DEXRON III ~ VI) mentioned as being good by a gunsmith named Cunningham on-line as well ... I have and use all of the major gun lubes just about known to man - the mark up is a bit steep though ...I see Lucas and Royal Purple now have specific gun lubes - I will be curious to see if experiences are good .

bsmithwins : I see your from OR ... Is Nike in the gun lube business yet ? HaHaHa - I couldn't resist
smile.gif
 
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Their HQ is about 5 miles from here, but I work elsewhere manufacturing semiconductors.

As to using gun specific oils, can you use some other chemical that has a different intended application? Sure. You can also lubricate your engine with salad oil. The fact that something can be pressed to serve doesn't make it a great idea.

I typically buy gun oil by the gallon and use smaller containers for application. I'm almost to the end of my gallon of Aeroshell 18 and am trying Royco 308CA next. The gallon of Royco was $30, so it's not like there's that great a savings vs engine oil.

BSW
 
BSW : The Aeroshell 18 look up info was facinating (never heard of it previously) ...Could not find much info on the Royco Products - could you please share your experiences ? I have both polymer / steel and all steel weapons I would be using potential lube products with . Also - where to obtain the Shell and Royco products ?
 
I got mine from skygeek. Fast shipping and shipping charges aren't crazy considering they are sending gallons of fluid.

I've mostly been using the AS18 as a lube oil and the Royco 634 as a solvent. But, the AS18 does lift powder fouling and the 634 is pretty good for lubricating and EP characteristics.

http://www.skygeek.com/aeroshell-fluid-18-gallon.html

http://www.skygeek.com/anderol-308-1gl-royco-308ca-preservative-oil-gal.html

http://www.skygeek.com/anderol-634-1gl-royco-634-cleaner-preservative-lube-1-gal.html

AS 18 TDS: http://southernlubricants.co.uk/aqadmin/media/uploads/50ed3c4f6d595/aeroshell_fluid18 pdf.pdf

Royco 308CA TDS: http://www.anderol.com/deployedfiles/ChemturaV8/Anderol-en-US/Products/Royco 308CA Datasheet.pdf

Royco 634 TDS: http://www.anderol.com/deployedfiles/ChemturaV8/Anderol-en-US/Products/Royco 634E Datasheet.pdf

BSW
 
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
I have seen people and some old timers use motor oils for gun lubes. In Vietnam the Marines were often seen using diesel oils up through about 68 when cleaning and maintenance supplies came online for the M16.

I have seen other old vets use Mobil 15w50 with STP mixed in.

However, as the previous poster mentioned, guns and engines have different needs. A quality gun lube will work better in a gun than a quality engine oil. I would only use engine oil in a pinch.


Often helped out our marine buddies with good aircraft quality lubes which the AirForce had plenty of. The M16 seemed to run well on the good stuff.

Smoky
 
The Shell and Royco products look to be very good gun specific lubes - only wish they were available in a smaller quantity instead of by the gallon .
 
Originally Posted By: ChrisD46
The Shell and Royco products look to be very good gun specific lubes - only wish they were available in a smaller quantity instead of by the gallon .


That is a problem. My original gallon of AS 18 has lasted for years.

BSW
 
I guess I have had that gallon of AS18 a long time. I just saw one of the posts here from when I first got the Aeroshell. It was dated 2009.

Just refilled my normal use bottles and I've still got about a pint left. Which is why I bought the gallon of Royco 308CA.

BSW
 
Originally Posted By: bsmithwins
Does your firearm have a oil pump? Catalytic converter? Oil fed plain bearings?

If it does than a quality motor oil is a good choice.

If your guns are like mine, a quality gun oil is probably a better solution. A good gun oil will have EP and anti-rust additives as well as being very creepy, to get between parts that can't be easily disassembled.

Personally, I using Aeroshell Fluid 18, but there are other gun oils (Royco 308CA, Royco CLP or Breakfree CLP)

Guns are a different mechanism than a engine. They have a harder service life when working and are frequently exposed to the elements.

BSW

Thank you
 
I mix synthetic 5w-30 and DexMerc ATF 50/50. In my ARs, this combo allows carbon to come off more easily than straight motor oil.

I used Supertech last time, and that 1/2 gallon will last me a long time. That mix is strictly for lubricant. Too messy on barrels and such. For rust protection, I use Boeshield.




Brian, I miss seeing you over on Arfcom.
 
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Motor oil will work and is cheap. I tried Mobil 1 15W50 and wasnt too impressed with its performance over Breakfree LP.

Breakfree LP is my go to lube. Breakfree CLP is also a pretty good product, although it evaporates after a while. Also look at Slip 2000 EWL and don't forget a good grease for certain guns, like Tetra.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/770845/break-free-lubricant-and-preservative-gun-oil-4-oz-liquid
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/816005/slip-2000-ewl-gun-oil-4-oz-liquid
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/133862/tetra-gun-grease-1-oz-tube
 
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