Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Favorite Gun Oil

BTW: I was down at the loading bench this AM, and I was reminded of something. In front of me on the bench was a container of 3-in-1 oil. It's probably 30 years old. I use it to lubricate the ram on my Rockchucker press. Before that, it was left open on the top shelf of my gun safe for a decade or so. It replaces a can of 3-in-1 oil that was left open in a box of firearms with an oily rag on top.

The firearms belonged to my grandfather who died in 1976. They were placed in the box by my father as we were cleaning out his closet. The firearms were all stored together in a confined space. Grandpa had left a can of 3-in-1 Oil in there; it was open with a rag on top.

Dad never touched the box. I did once every few years after 1976. I didn't really think about them in any serious way until the early 80's when I showed them to my friend, Bob, who explained their value to me. Shortly after that, I started shooting.

My reason for telling you all this is that the only protection they received in probably 30-40 years was that open can of 3-in-1 oil. Grandpa never shot for as long I was alive. My guess is he hadn't shot since before 1950 or so. The firearms were probably placed in that closet when they moved into the house in 1948, and not touched. They spent 7 years in the box my Dad put them in. I handled them occasionally.

Not a spot of rust-- not on any firearm, not ever. Go figure.

As a result, when I got my first gun safe, I made sure to get a can of 3-in-1 Oil and leave it open on the shelf of the safe.

Started using Ballistol and RIG on carry iron because it is said to be non-toxicadacious.
Now I'm figuring why not on long guns too. Is there a major downside to this stuff?

Non-toxicawhat?

Non-toxicawhat...yeah, that's it.

Since this thread has now been going for over eight months and 19 pages, I got curious and added up the various kinds of "gun oil" mentioned as favorites--and only bothered with the lubes, not the various degrees of rust preventatives.

We're now up to 34 absolute best gun oils....

John, how many of those 34 absolutely best gun oils do you think are nothing more than rebottled ATF?

And the winner is. At least IMO. Also since working from home I am only showering every other day. So I have been using Hoppe’s No. 9 as a cologne.

Liking what one uses, makes it the best! Ever!

I had settled on Mobile One many years ago for my primary lube and exterior wipe down oil. Never thought about using ATF until I followed this thread and it has now earned a place on my workbench lineup, thanks to the Campfire wise ones. I am also starting to try it for other lubricant applications.

MOGC,

Who knows!

I do know, however, that many of the "gun oils" I've been sent to test turn out to be red-tinted....

Yeah, after reading this thread I cast a suspicious eye on that Lucas RED on my bench!

Any decent oil for an exterior wipe down

For a do it all product the Army got me hooked on Breakfree CLP. Probably not the best cleaner but a great lube and protectant. I recently bought some of Lucas Oil’s CLP to try out as I use their car/truck products a ton and like their performance.

For a bore cleaner WipeOut is my favorite.

After this thread I may try out ATF.

70% Sperm whale oil, 30% Ed’s Red, 10% Unicorn tears for 110% goodness.

Gunzilla make a good product.

I use Ed's Red for gun oil, cleaner, killing ant hills, and burning brush piles. Maybe other things I have forgotten. Oh yes, I use the basic 50/50 mineral spirits/ ATF to clean and lube my bicycle chains. I use the little wash devices/boxes that surround the chain and clamp together. I wash with one amount., drain the box, and use a new batch to lube. Let the bike drip off then wipe off with a clean cloth. If I'm commuting as I used to, I chain washed once a week. I went through my first chain at 5,000 miles. Still ride the bike some at 6,000 miles but have retired. The Ed's Red was something I didn't know by name for years. But it contributed to long life for a chain drive that got hit by mud, salt, and assorted grit every day. Maybe it will work on your gun??? Be Well, Rustyzipper.

Baby oil.

Can't get any frizzin' sillier than puttin' Ballistol on yer pancakes.

Wot a time waster.

No point in sobering up now. Just keep drinking all day......

Singer sewing machine oil.

Does it work on a rusty zipper?