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Gun Oil | 5 Best Picks (CLP, Hoppes, Lucas Oil compared)
Table of Contents
Whether you're an avid hunter, sports enthusiast, or someone who values personal defense, owning a firearm comes with a critical responsibility: maintenance.
Proper upkeep enhances your weapon's performance and is vital for your safety, as a malfunctioning gun poses a significant danger. To ensure your firearms remain in optimal condition, cleaning them regularly, especially after use or before long-term storage is essential.
However, cleaning alone isn't enough. Due to the humidity in a gun safe, your firearms are vulnerable to rust, which can undermine their integrity. By applying lubricating oils after cleaning, you'll shield your prized possessions from the corrosive effects of rust, keeping them in top-notch shape for years to come.
The problem is that you cannot just use any oil when oiling your guns. Instead, you should look for specific oils that are specially designed for guns. These oils are designed to lubricate, clean, preserve, and protect parts of your firearms. To make your work easier, we have provided a list of the 5 best gun oils on the market.
A good gun cleaning regimen goes hand-in-hand with a dehumidifier in your safe or gun cabinet. Our selection will help you pick the most suitable gun-safe dehumidifier for your needs, check out the article for our review of 4 types of gun-safe dehumidifiers and what the 5 best ones are. These include some affordable alternatives (under $40) in addition as well as the top of the line popular dehumidifier rods.
What are the benefits of using gun oils and a gun solvent?
Guns are likely to corrode or rust due to various things, one being humidity. One of the most effective ways of protecting them from this is oiling them frequently.
Another benefit of gun oils is that they help to reduce friction between the gun components. Friction slows down the movement of different gun parts which affects the velocity and accuracy of the firearms. However, gun oil provides a fluid medium between the internal parts which helps them to move smoothly when they come into contact with each other. This minimizes wear and tear meaning that your guns will last longer.
Picture this: You venture out into the crisp, cold air for a day of deer hunting, your trusted firearm tucked securely in a range bag or case. You're confident that your gun has plenty of protection from the natural elements.
When you return, and step into a warm room, the temperature and humidity change, causing a thin film of condensation on most metal surfaces of your guns, especially the high-precision parts like the bolt carriers. This moisture magnet attracts dirt, making your firearm vulnerable to corrosion.
You now store your guns without cleaning them with a solvent and then cover these metal surfaces with a thin film of oil. Can you see how you can expect your gun to rust over time?
What is gun oil made of?
Gun oil is a carefully formulated petroleum-based lubricant that is highly refined to remove impurities and compounds that break down at high temperatures. Compared to other common household lubricants like 3-in-1 and motor oils, it is far more refined. The top brands of gun oil add their proprietary blend of additives, which are formulated to protect the metal in a gun from corroding and rusting.
Additionally, most gun oils contain special ingredients such as anti-rust, anti-wear, and corrosion-resistant agents to enhance the durability of your firearms. Some of them feature detergents that help break down debris and grime within the firearms.
Our Top Gun Oil Picks For Gun Owners:
1. Lucas Gun Oil - Extreme Duty (4 Oz) With Needle Oiler (1 Oz) - Best Pick
Without a doubt, the Lucas Oil 4 Oz is the best gun oil on the market. Compared to others, this one has a tacky property that keeps it in place for a long time. Again, it has an excellent viscosity, meaning it is not too thick or too thin. Due to this, you don’t need to apply a lot of oil to your firearms. It comes with a needle applicator, enabling you to put it exactly where you need it.
Another great thing about it is that it doesn’t have a strong smell. Due to its amazing quality, it is highly recommended by reputable firearms manufacturers. You can use it for full auto firearms, pistols, shotguns, semi-auto rifles, etc. Since it is synthetic, it doesn’t expire or go bad.
Pros
- Excellent viscosity
- Polymer safe
- Long lasting
- Easy to apply using the needle
- No expiry date
Cons
- None
Easy ordering, low prices, and free shipping at Amazon. Click To Buy.
2. Hoppes Gun Oil - No. 9 Lubricating Oil (2.25 Oz) - Best Value
HOPPE’S Gun Oil No 9 2.25 Oz is another top-quality lubricating oil that is worth your money. It is high-viscosity oil you can apply on fishing reels, firearms, or other precision mechanisms. Unlike most lubricating oils on the market, this one does not gum, harden or expire, meaning it will serve you for a long time. It is carefully blended to work perfectly across a wide temperature range.
With this oil, you are able to protect your firearms from water damage meaning that they will never rust. Apart from that, it has effective anti-corrosion properties to enhance protection. Generally, it protects your firearms from wear and tear, enabling them to last longer.
Pros
- Features anti-corrosion compounds
- Highly viscous and thick
- Low odor
- It comes from a reputable brand
- Helps to remove dirt and grime
- Small bottle but durable
3. G96 Gun Oil - 1054 Gun Oil (4 Oz) - Most Reviewed
This G96 Gun Oil is the most versatile gun oil on the market. Unlike others, this one can lubricate, clean, and protect your firearms from rusting. It doesn’t require preservation, meaning that it is designed to last. Unlike others, this one features solvents that are able to remove all traces of gunpowder, rust, leading, and corrosion within seconds.
Apart from that, it features lubricants that are highly resistant to freezing, oxidation, and evaporation. It is able to protect your frequently used firearms from fingerprint damage. Again, it leaves an invisible magnetic film on the metallic parts of your gun to prevent rusting.
Pros
- Prevents corrosion and rusting
- Decent price
- Removes traces of gunpowder and corrosion
- Leaves a magnetic film on the metallic parts
- Protects your guns from fingerprint damage
- None
4. Gun Oil Spray - Break Free CLP Gun Oil (12 Oz) - The Best
If you are searching for the best gun oil that will serve you for a long time, the Break Free CLP is among the best. It is made from high-quality polymerized synthetic oil. It also features anti-wear and friction-reducing compounds. It comes in a 12 OZ bottle meaning that you don’t need to buy it every now and then.
This oil is extremely effective in protecting your firearms from rusting, corrosion, and cleaning powder residue. You can use it on all gunmetal finishes, whether blued steel, titanium, and polymer composite firearms. Additionally, it protects stainless steel parts from galling. It is a superior lubricant that is able to remove all contaminants from the moving parts, bore, and outer part of your firearms.
With this oil, you are able to protect the internal parts of your gun from wear and tear, which may occur due to friction. Another great thing about it is that it is not affected by high temperatures and extreme pressure.
Pros
- Helps in cleaning powder residue
- Prevent rusting and corrosion
- 12 oz bottle
- Made of a high-quality polymerized synthetic oil
- Prevents corrosion
- Messy but works
5. Remington Gun Oil (2 oz) - Economical
Remington Gun Oil is one of the cheapest products that will give you value for your money. Despite its cheap price, it is highly versatile, meaning that it lubricates, cleans, and protects your firearms from rusting. It is made using an advanced Teflon formula, enabling it to penetrate even the smallest metal pores. Once you apply it, it will leave a tough and durable film on the metallic part to prevent metal-to-metal wear.
In addition, it is able to displace even the tiniest traces of moisture since it has advanced moisture resistance. As a result, it protects your guns from rusting. You can find it in aerosol cans, plastic bottles, 12 and 60-count wipes. Again, it helps to clean grime and dirt from metal surfaces.
Pros
- Made using an advanced Teflon formula
- Helps to clean dirt and grime
- Prevents metal-to-metal friction
- Protects guns from corrosion and rusting
- Helps to displace non-visible moisture
- Cheap price
- Small bottle
6. Gun Oil Lube (Don't Buy)
CAUTION: Don’t make the mistake of searching online or at Amazon for “Gun Oil lubricant”. You’ll be presented with the Gun Oil Silicone Lube, which is a personal lubricant. While some guys might consider their firearm their sex toy (or vice versa, wink, wink), I’m sure Vitamin E and Aloe Vera with “healing properties” are the last things you need near your gun. To be clear, my gun is “inflammatory,” and I keep those anti-inflammatory creams away from it.
Gun Oil Alternatives - Should You Use One?
No. We believe using cheaper alternatives like Canola Oil, Motor Oil, Lube Pastes, and the like is not worth it. In the short term, it might appear that these lubricants will do the job. However, in the long term, these are detrimental to your firearm, and you could have a dangerous malfunction.
On the other hand, if you want to save the multi-step process of cleaning your firearm with a solvent and then lubricating it, we support using CLP products. CLP stands for Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant. These products are all-in-one products. They are cheaper and more convenient than buying a solvent or cleaner, a gun oil, and a gun protectant.
How to Choose the Best Gun Oil?
Choosing the best gun oil can be overwhelming since they are so many on the market. When comparing different products, you should think of the following:
1. Non-toxic formula
Some gun oils are made of dangerous chemicals and compounds which might affect your skin. Before buying, check its components to ensure it is safe for you and those around you.
2. Thickness
When comparing different gun oils, it is important you check the thickness. Some run smoothly like water, meaning they can penetrate the interior parts easily. However, thin oils evaporate faster than thick ones, meaning they are not durable. Again, thick oils are the best in areas with harsh climates, while thin oils are suitable for areas with normal climate conditions.
3. Scent
Some gun oils have a very strong odor which might disturb you. You should consider odorless oils or those that will not cause any form of discomfort.
4. Compatibility
Not all gun oils will be compatible with all your firearms. In this regard, you need to read the details provided by the manufacturer to see if the product is the best for your firearms.
5. Capacity and price
Gun oils are available in different sizes. You should look for one that will serve you for a long time, meaning that you should check the one with the highest capacity. Apart from that, you need to check the price to ensure that it matches the capacity of the oil bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WD 40 good gun oil?
No. WD 40 is not a good gun oil because it is a solvent and not a lubricant. As a solvent, it evaporates quickly and doesn’t remain on surfaces to lubricate them. By the time you use your gun, the WD-40 will have evaporated entirely, leaving no protection.
Can you use any oil to oil a gun?
No. Vegetable oil, for example, is not intended to oil a gun. WD 40 is a solvent, though some might think it is an oil and cannot be used to oil a gun. Certain oils leave a sticky residue that will be detrimental to your gun.
Can guns be lubricated with vegetable oil?
No. Vegetable oil solidifies at a different temperature from gun oil and leaves a sticky residue that will gum up a gun. When that happens, use a solvent to clean the residue off the gun and then oil it with gun oil. Hoppe’s No. 9– one of the best gun oils–is under $5, a small price to pay for doing it right.
What do you oil a gun with?
You oil a gun with specially formulated gun oil–nothing else.
Can you clean a gun with alcohol?
Yes, you can use alcohol to clean a gun. As a solvent, alcohol will strip any grease or oils on your firearm, so be sure to use a good gun oil after you use alcohol or rubbing alcohol.
Which part of the gun should you not oil or lube?
When oiling your gun, you should never lubricate the bore. Instead, you should treat it using a heavy lubricant like Barricade. However, it should be removed before you start shooting using the firearm.
Gun Cleaner vs. Gun Oil - Do you know the Difference?
Gun oils are highly refined petroleum lubricants, while gun cleaners are chemical-based formulas that help to remove built-up contaminants like carbon, copper, etc. Therefore, the main difference between the two is that gun cleaners help to remove residues and debris while gun oils help to lubricate the parts to prevent friction.
Conclusion:
In order to ensure your firearms deliver exceptional performance and maintain their accuracy, proper maintenance is paramount. While cleaning plays a crucial role, the significance of oiling cannot be overstated. Gun oils possess unique properties that shield your weapons from rust, corrosion, and wear and tear caused by friction. If you're looking for the best gun oil, look no further than Lucas Gun Oil—it offers unparalleled value for your investment, keeping your prized possessions in peak condition for years to come.
