Originally Posted By: 90crvtec
In regards to Weapon Shield and the older FP-10 formulations, there was a great discussion on BITOG about 10 years back. I'll leave this here for some good reading:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=302916
The main thing that sticks out in my mind is how the chlorinated paraffins are usually used to get impressive falex test results. Obviously the intention is to use that single test to imply that the oil must be superior in all other fields as well but, it's just a single test using a single additive component to achieve a desired result. It doesn't necessarily mean it's a better gun oil.
Militec 1 is another product that uses chlorinated paraffins and it has been associated with metal fatigue in some AR applications. IIRC it was related to bolt failures in ARs. So I'm still on the fence about using products with chlorinated paraffins, including Weapon Shield. For now I stick to more conventional oils like Breakfree CLP or G96 Gun Treatment.
I think Ballistol is over priced for what it is. I can easily buy Breakfree CLP or G96 Gun Treatment for less, and they are newer formulations that don't stink to high heaven (G96 Gun Treatment actually has a cinnamon smell to it). All of these products will leave a "metal skillet" type feel if sprayed on a barrel and then wiped off. I do not think that Ballistol is unique in this regard. As other members have already noted, this does not mean it is "conditioning" the metal, rather it's just a property of wiping oil off of metal to leave a thin film that feels dry to the touch.
I read a bit over on the other thread. Good points about the chlorinated parrafins and halogenated hydrocarbons.
I'm quite sure I don't need that stuff on my guns or on my hands.
Again, I like Ballistol because it's a do-it-all product (well, except lubing higher-load metal-on-metal parts like the slide rails and barrel & slide lugs and barrel hood and barrel-bushing lockup on my tightly-fitted 1911, for which I use something with higher viscosity and anti-wear agents - M1).
What I primarily like about Ballistol is that it has GOOD cleaning properties, and leaves surfaces slick and resistant to adhesion of carbon residue and corrosion, AND conditions wood and leather, and does all this without an offensive smell (again, my opinion) or any harsh or toxic chemicals. I don't worry a bit about getting on my hands, either. With any of those other products you mentioned, I wouldn't want to get them on my bare hands.
As far as Ballistol "conditioning" the metal, as I mentioned earlier in the thread, it actually IS conditioning the metal, for all intents and purposes, IF Ballistol is ALL you use on the gun...because you are not removing the molecular film that is deposited with every use with a solvent. Of course, other CLPs would have this effect, too, if you used them exclusively.
So, as others have stated, as well, it's a GOOD (maybe not great) non-toxic, non-damaging to wood, leather or synthetic, do-it-all CLP that smells good (my opinion). YOU might have another opinion.
