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CharlieX
Senior Member
USA
786 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 2:34:41 PM
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Alternative Small Arms Lubricants
Synthetic motor oils are subjected to extreme conditions present inside operating internal combustion engines. These include but are not limited to:
-Thermal Stress -Extreme Pressure and Wear -Oxidation and Corrosion -Combustion Product Contamination
Since firearms operate strictly within the boundary lubrication regime and not the hydrodynamic lubrication regime, it appears that synthetic motor oils should possess the necessary attributes (including detergency, rust and corrosion inhibition and adequate film and barrier strengths) to serve successfully as alternative small arms lubricants.
While not all of the synthetic motor oils and compounds listed below rise to meet all of the following evaluative performance criteria, they are for the most part, adequate for the application since the internal operating environment of firearms is generally far less severe than that of internal combustion engines.
Evaluative Criteria:
1. Pour Point (PP): The lowest temperature (Fahrenheit) at which a lubricant will flow. Minimum requirement: -50.00 F
2. Flash Point (FP): The lowest temperature (Fahrenheit) at which a lubricant will produce vapors that, if subjected to an ignition source, will ignite and combust. Minimum requirement: +400.00 F
3. Viscosity at 100F (V100): The viscosity (in centistokes, cSt) of a lubricant at 100F. Minimum requirement: 25.00 cSt
4. Viscosity at 212F (V212): The viscosity of a lubricant (in centistokes, cSt) at 212F. Minimum requirement: 5.00 cSt
As a point of reference, the kinematic viscosity of pure water at: 68F (room temperature) is 1.004 cSt 100F is 0.658 cSt 212F is 0.294 cSt
5. Thermal Service Range (TSR): The sum of the absolute values of the Pour Point (PP) and the Flash Point (FP). Minimum requirement: 450.00 F
6. Viscosity Index (VI): An arbitrary numerical value assigned to a lubricant indicating its ability to retain its viscosity across a specified temperature range. Minimum requirement: 110.00 (Very High)
Low VI: 35 or lower Medium VI: 35-80 High VI: 80-110 Very High VI: 110 or higher
7. Molybdenum (Mo): An anti-wear/extreme pressure (AW/EP) additive. Concentrations are expressed in parts per million (ppm). Preferred requirement: 45 ppm
8. Boron (B): An anti-wear/extreme pressure (AW/EP) additive. Concentrations are expressed in parts per million (ppm). Preferred requirement: 50 ppm
9. Phosphorus (P): An anti-wear/extreme pressure/corrosion inhibitor (AW/EP/CI) additive. Concentrations are expressed in parts per million (ppm). Preferred requirement: 2,000 ppm
10. Zinc (Zn): An anti-wear/extreme pressure/corrosion inhibitor (AW/EP/CI) additive. Concentrations are expressed in parts per million (ppm). Preferred requirement: 2,000 ppm
Data for Alternative Small Arms Lubricants:
AMSOIL 10W40 (MCF) PP: -51.00 F FP: +453.00 F V100: 93.36 cSt V212: 13.90 cSt TSR: 504.00 F VI: 153 Mo: ~45 ppm
ENEOS 0W50 PP: -49.00 F FP: +449.60 F V100: 104.00 cSt V212: 18.00 cSt TSR: 498.60 F VI: 192 Mo: ~45 ppm MOBIL 1 0W50 "RACING" PP: -65.20 F FP: +429.80 F V100: 100.00 cSt V212: 17.20 cSt TSR: 495.00 F VI: 189
M1 5W30 Extended Performance PP: -49.00 F FP: +451.40 F V100: 64.40 cSt V212: 11.20 cSt TSR: 500.40 F VI: 168 Mo: 80 ppm
MOBIL 1 10W40 (MX4T) PP: -65.20 F FP: +487.40 F V100: 86.00 cSt V212: 13.80 cSt TSR: 552.60 F VI: 166 Mo: ~80 ppm Manufactured to inferior specifications as of 09/2010
MOBIL 1 20W50 (VTWIN) PP: -59.80 F FP: +518.00 F V100: 130.00 cSt V212: 17.70 cSt TSR: 577.80 F VI: 151 Mo: ~80 ppm Manufactured to inferior specifications as of 09/2010
MOBIL 1 SYNTHETIC GREASE Freezing Point: -40 F Dropping Point: +550.00 F V100: 220.00 cSt V212: 23.80 cSt TSR: 590.00 F VI: 135 Reversibility: ~85.00 % Washout (H2O): 6.00 % NLGI Rating: #2 Thickener: Lithium Complex Corrosion prevention test; ASTM D 1743: Pass Color: Red
PENNZOIL PLATINUM 5W30 PP: -38.20 F FP: +435.20 F V100: 57.50 cSt V212: 10.30 cSt TSR: 473.40 F VI: 169 Mo: ~50 ppm
PENNZOIL PLATINUM 5W50 PP: -43.60 F FP: +435.20 F V100: 106.00 cSt V212: 17.80 cSt TSR: 478.80 F VI: 186 Mo: ~50 ppm
RED LINE 5W20 PP: -49.00 F FP: +484.00 F V100: 55.00 cSt V212: 9.10 cSt TSR: 533.00 F VI: 147 Mo: ~500 ppm
RED LINE 5W30 PP: -49.00 F FP: +486.00 F V100: 62.00 cSt V212: 10.60 cSt TSR: 535.00 F VI: 163 Mo: ~500 ppm
RED LINE 5W40 PP: -49.00 F FP: +480.00 F V100: 94.00 cSt V212: 15.10 cSt TSR: 529.00 F VI: 170 Mo: ~500 ppm
RED LINE 10W30 PP: -49.00 F FP: +480.00 F V100: 70.00 cSt V212: 10.70 cSt TSR: 529.00 F VI: 143 Mo: ~500 ppm
RED LINE 10W40 PP: -49.00 F FP: +478.00 F V100: 93.00 cSt V212: 14.60 cSt TSR: 527.00 F VI: 164 Mo: ~500 ppm
RED LINE 15W40 PP: -49.00 F FP: +486.00 F V100: 97.00 cSt V212: 14.50 cSt TSR: 535.00 F VI: 156 Mo: ~500 pm
RED LINE 15W50 PP: -49.00 F FP: +486.00 F V100: 138.00 cSt V212: 19.60 cSt TSR: 535.00 F VI: 163 Mo: ~500 ppm
RED LINE 20W50 PP: -49.00 F FP: +489.20 F V100: 138.00 cSt V212: 18.60 cSt TSR: 538.20 F B: 20 ppm Mo: 500 ppm P: 2100 ppm Zn: 2500 ppm VI: 152
ROYAL PURPLE 5W30 PP: -40.00 F FP: +455.00 F V100: 65.30 cSt V212: 11.00 cSt TSR: 495.00 F VI: 163 Mo: ~125 ppm
ROYAL PURPLE 10W30 PP: -40.00 F FP: +455.00 F V100: 70.30 cSt V212: 10.70 cSt TSR: 495.00 F VI: 142 Mo: ~125 ppm
ROYAL PURPLE 15W40 PP: -44.00 F FP: +435.00 F V100: 110.10 cSt V212: 14.90 cSt TSR: 479.00 F VI: 141 Mo: ~125 ppm
ROYAL PURPLE 20W50 PP: -35.00 F FP: +435.00 F V100: 170.00 cSt V212: 20.20 cSt TSR: 470.00 F VI: 138 Mo: ~125 ppm
MILITEC-1 (for comparison purposes only) PP: -45.00 F FP: +455.00 F V100: 43.41 cSt V212: 5.63 cSt TSR: 500.00 F VI: 63
Revised 01.19.2011 (added M1 0w50 "Racing")
Regards, |
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Edited by - CharlieX on January 22 2011 5:10:41 PM |
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Evan
Administrator
34764 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 2:46:10 PM
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| thanks-when I was on the road as part of a mobile training team I'd just go to Wally world and buy Mobil 1- never paid attention to weight and it always worked fine. Maintained 100+ M4's. |
"The greatest thing a Father can do for his children is to love their Mother."
Harold B. Lee
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CharlieX
Senior Member
USA
786 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 2:56:32 PM
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You're welcome, Evan.
Everything you never wanted to know about synthetic motor oils and then some.
I made sure to include your "favorite"; M1 5W30.
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Evan
Administrator
34764 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 3:17:15 PM
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| a bud who had been an armor for a secret squirrel outfit turned me on to Mobil One. |
"The greatest thing a Father can do for his children is to love their Mother."
Harold B. Lee
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 4:35:35 PM
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Charlie, Thank you! I appreciate your taking the time to post this data.
Doc Lee |
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CharlieX
Senior Member
USA
786 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 5:43:54 PM
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You bet, Doc.
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elsullo
Junior Member
USA
243 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 6:48:33 PM
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Are these oils "polarized?" Supposedly, polarized oils self-spread and penetrate and stick better than "ordinary" oils, due to a slight static-charge attraction. Several popular gun oils, like Outers, claim to be polarized, and Castrol GTX "Start-up" oil boasts heavy polarization to "cling" to cold engines. Is polarization important, or just a gimmick?
Also worth noting is that motorcycle-specific oils have a much higher dose of lithium and phosphorus to deal with gearbox shearing, since there is no separate gearbox oil compartment, and a catalytic converter is not used. Are motorcycle oils of any benefit, considering that they are twice the cost?...................elsullo |
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 9:59:55 PM
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| Charlie, I thought alkenes are C double bond C with a cis or trans configuration. AKA unsaturated hydrocarbons. |
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miragetex
Junior Member
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 10:47:45 PM
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Charlie, thanks for all your work in putting this together. Now, for those of us who didn't follow the chemical engineering path in school, what should I use on my guns? In particular, would the same one be the best choice for, say, an AR, an M1 carbine, or a levergun, or would they benefit from different ones? I note the Red Line products seem to have much more Molybdenum, but does "no required minimum" mean this doesn't matter? I bought (but haven't yet opened) a quart of Mobil 1 0-40 wt., on the perhaps misguided thought that the 0 viscosity end would work better in cold weather, but the 0-40 seems to be pretty marginal in some categories. I apologize in advance, because I'm pretty sure you don't want to pick a "best" product, but I lack the background to make the best use of all the information you've gathered. As I often say, I'm not sure I understand all that I know about this. Again, though, I really appreciate you sharing your time, effort and knowledge.
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 16 2009 : 10:55:02 PM
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Charlie, I again want to again thank you for your efforts posting this informative list and subsequent fill in information. Doctors Orders: "get a good night's sleep."
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CharlieX
Senior Member
USA
786 Posts |
Posted - March 17 2009 : 12:06:22 AM
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quote: Originally posted by miragetex
Charlie, thanks for all your work in putting this together. Now, for those of us who didn't follow the chemical engineering path in school, what should I use on my guns? In particular, would the same one be the best choice for, say, an AR, an M1 carbine, or a levergun, or would they benefit from different ones? I note the Red Line products seem to have much more Molybdenum, but does "no required minimum" mean this doesn't matter? I bought (but haven't yet opened) a quart of Mobil 1 0-40 wt., on the perhaps misguided thought that the 0 viscosity end would work better in cold weather, but the 0-40 seems to be pretty marginal in some categories. I apologize in advance, because I'm pretty sure you don't want to pick a "best" product, but I lack the background to make the best use of all the information you've gathered. As I often say, I'm not sure I understand all that I know about this. Again, though, I really appreciate you sharing your time, effort and knowledge.
miragetex-
You are welcome.
The "short answer" is that you can use whatever you like from the list and have a high level of confidence that it will work. The lubricants listed above perform in far more strenuous environments than our firearms are capable of generating.
The "long answer" is that the evaluative criteria above were established according to what I believed to be the most stringent constraints that I could apply while remaining as realistic as possible. There is nothing that prohibits anyone from relying on those criteria or establishing their own as they apply to their own situation.
The molybdenum-based AW/EP compounds present in these lubricants will perform as they should and provide more than ample protection of the surfaces that they are applied to. My inclusion of molybdenum levels was simply for those seeking to make an "informed decision" as to whether they wish to employ a lubricant that has molybdenum in its composition.
These oils (may) also contain other AW/EP compounds such as Organic Sulfur-Phosphorus-Nitrogen compounds, Borates and Borate Esters, Tricresyl Phosphates, Amine phosphates, and other phosphate esters that serve the same purpose and I did not include these values for fear of going well beyond a "lay" explanation of these lubricants qualities and confusing those needlessly who might read this topic.
For example, per the most recent VOAs (Virgin Oil Analysis) that I've seen, the Mobil 1 20W50 (VTWIN), while it contains "only" 90 ppm Molybdenum, also has within its composition, a nominal concentration of ~1800 ppm Zinc (Zn) and ~1650 ppm Phosphorus (P) which indicates a "healthy" concentration of ZDDP in its formulation. It is hardly "lacking" in AW/EP additives to be sure and molybdenum ain't "the only game in town" to be sure. The inclusion of the molybdenum concentrations is just an added dimension, that's all.
As for a "recommendation": The best that I can do for you is tell you what I "prefer".
For very cold weather hunts or shooting, I prefer to use Mobil 1 Jet Oil II. At $15.00 per quart, it is, in my humble opinion, though hard to find, the best there is. If the temperature makes it to -75 F, I suspect that I'll have more pressing concerns than my rifle's functionality.
For very hot conditions and/or where my "volume of fire" is both heavy and sustained (like my prairie dog hunts in June or July), I prefer Mobil 1 20W50 (VTWIN) or as a second choice Mobil 1 10W40 (MX4T).
I used Mobil 1 20W50 (VTWIN) while on safari in the Selous in Tanzania during late 2002 and it performed admirably in that role on my heavy rifle, a Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless calibered in .375 H&H. I used that rifle, so lubricated, to stop a Cape Buffalo (37") charge that started from some 200 feet away at my first shot and ended six shots later at just under 15 feet. I never had a moment's concern over its use in that rifle or my .30-06 medium rifle.
If I found myself "stuck" with Mobil 1 5W30 because it was "all that I could find" in any of these contingencies, I'd not think twice about using it and enjoy myself.
You are correct in your supposition that the M1 0W40 will give you good performance in colder environments as it will "behave" like a 0-weight oil in extreme cold and as a 40-weight in extreme heat. If the M1 0W40 appeals to you, use it. I'd hardly call it "marginal" since it is current "factory fill" on many modern high performance sports cars like Porsche.
Regards,
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Edited by - CharlieX on March 17 2009 12:50:13 AM |
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perrodelucha
Senior Member
USA
927 Posts |
Posted - March 17 2009 : 6:14:14 PM
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| thanks Charlie! that was alot of work and i want to tell you that i appreciate it. thanks again. |
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 17 2009 : 7:19:29 PM
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| Charlie, which lubricant type will be most effective in preventing stainless against stainless steel galling? |
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CharlieX
Senior Member
USA
786 Posts |
Posted - March 18 2009 : 12:04:47 AM
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perrodelucha,
You are quite welcome.
Your gratitude and the demeanor of those on this website in general are why I so enjoy contributing and being a member here. Your thanks and appreciation is my reward and I consider myself amply rewarded.
I used to visit many of the other firearms websites with much greater frequency, but the anger and vitriol (not to mention the profanity and rudeness so often encountered there) keeps me away from them more than ever before, especially these days.
I am glad that I can provide what I can in the way of information in a venue where learning is the goal and is also its own reward.
Doc,
Hmm, good question.
Though I am not a metallurgist by any remote stretch of the imagination (my degree is in Clinical Psychology with minors in Chemistry, Physics and the Russian language), my limited understanding of the issue is that the issue of galling has been mitigated in current manufacture by the use of differing grades of stainless when the two parts that must come into contact with each other during functioning are both fabricated of stainless steel.
Here's "my take" on your question-
First of all:
In stainless steels you have the following families: 300-series are called AUSTENITIC stainless steels and have the best overall corrosion resistance. 400-series are called MARTENSITIC stainless steels and can have both good hardness and some corrosion resistance. PH-series are called PRECIPITATION HARDENING stainless steels and can be "aged" to a moderate hardness while retaining good corrosion resistance.
What makes each of these steels useful is their ability to be either “soft” or “hard” and that depends upon their respective heat treatment which governs the ability of the steel to change its crystalline structure. (all metals are crystalline)
There are three crystalline "states" in steels. These are: 1. Ferritic (Body Centered Cubic) BCC 2. Austenitic (Face Centered Cubic) FCC 3. Martensitic (Body Centered Tetragonal) BCT
Generally speaking, BCC is “soft” and BCT is “hard”. FCC is a transitional structure present during heat treatment when the steel is orange-red hot around 1350 F - 1900 F. Simply put, you begin with a Ferritic (BCC) crystalline structure and when you heat it up to "orange-red" hot it changes to an Austentic face centered structure (FCC). When quenched, usually in oil, it changes from an Austenitic structure to a Martensitic structure.
After you quench the steel and make it martensitic, it needs to be tempered. Using a "moderate" heat operation on the order of 350 F to 1100 F, the strength of the martensitic structure is reduced somewhat but, this also allows it to regain some ductility and toughness. Unquenched martensitic steel is quite brittle and rather delicate. Higher temperatures employed during tempering results in achieving a “softer” temper. Conversely, lower temperatures yield a higher or "harder" temper.
It is necessary to select a tempering temperature that will yield a certain hardness range, but before you go saying that you want your rifle barrel (for example) as hard as possible you should remember one thing. While a lower temperature tempering (in the 250 F - 300 F range) will certainly get you a really high hardness, it won't last long after your first rapid-fire session and when you exceed the tempering temperature, the steel will soften and possibly suffer a distortion under the stress of this "process".
The use of different stainless steels that come into contact with each other gets by the galling issue due to the difference of inherent grain hardness (asperites) in each of them. The galling or chatter marks that plagued earlier production firearms occurs when the similar grain hardness of the stainless steel grade shears against itself in both parts. Something has to "give" and one of the two wear faces of the parts will shear which causes the damage. By having two different stainless steels (series of differing hardness) one (the harder of the two) “cuts” the other (the softer of the two) and by “yielding”, the harder of the two suffers little wear while the softer of the two “takes the hit”. For areas of such contact, I’d suggest the use of the Mobil 1 Synthetic lithium complex grease as your "best bet" for that application.
Perhaps there are members present on this forum who are more knowledgeable in this field than I who can correct me if I am in need of it and provide some further insight into this metallurgical phenomena.
Regards, |
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Edited by - CharlieX on March 19 2009 1:10:14 PM |
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 18 2009 : 01:43:56 AM
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Charlie, your post above is very informative. I appreciate your taking the time to explain the differing families of stainless steel. My concerns about galling come from the 1970s and a .44 Auto Mag I owned. I returned the first pistol, due to galling, and the second one did not seem to suffer from the degree of galling. More recently I've assembled several SS 1911s and not had any signs of galling. My current lube is Miltec grease for the SS pistols I own.
Thank you very much for your complete and informative answer.
Doc Lee |
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perrodelucha
Senior Member
USA
927 Posts |
Posted - March 18 2009 : 8:34:30 PM
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| Charlie, i wish you were closer so i could shake your hand. you don't see many people these days that go out of their way to help somebody else. when you do find someone like this you need to be sure they know you are grateful. people like the guys we have here make the world a better place. |
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CharlieX
Senior Member
USA
786 Posts |
Posted - March 18 2009 : 8:49:01 PM
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quote: Originally posted by perrodelucha
Charlie, i wish you were closer so i could shake your hand. you don't see many people these days that go out of their way to help somebody else. when you do find someone like this you need to be sure they know you are grateful. people like the guys we have here make the world a better place.
perrodelucha-
I'll consider my hand properly "shaken" simply by virtue of what you've posted above.
Thanks.
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wolfgang2000
Advanced Member
USA
3742 Posts |
Posted - March 19 2009 : 06:35:52 AM
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Doc FP-10 was originally formulated to combat galling. (I met the designer at the 1993 Shot show.) However the the FP-10 presently in production is not the original formula, is it made by the same person.
He has a new lube out. I'll have to get you the name when I get back from work. |
“The key is to hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them repeatedly. The one shot stop is a unit of measurement not a tactical philosophy.” Evan Marshall |
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 19 2009 : 08:30:07 AM
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| Bruce, thanks for the input concerning FP-10. To the best of my knowledge, FP-10 is still available. It's supplied by Shooters Choice in a black bottle while another (older) preparation was supplied in a white bottle. |
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Evan
Administrator
34764 Posts |
Posted - March 19 2009 : 10:32:37 AM
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| As John Farnam pointed out that in an emergency you can remove the dip stick from your vehicle and lube your firearms. |
"The greatest thing a Father can do for his children is to love their Mother."
Harold B. Lee
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CharlieX
Senior Member
USA
786 Posts |
Posted - March 19 2009 : 1:06:22 PM
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quote: Originally posted by Evan
As John Farnam pointed out that in an emergency you can remove the dip stick from your vehicle and lube your firearms.
Evan,
Glad that you mentioned this detail as it brings up an important point that I failed to address in my original post.
Please be certain to wash throughly after such an "emergency use" of used motor oil. Used motor oil contains PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and other carcinogenic "nasties" that are not the best thing to have next to or on your skin. Ranks right up there with lead poisoning in my book.
Brand new unused motor oil, on the other hand, is fairly innocuous "stuff" having a very low level of toxicity (LD50 is > 5,000 mg/kg) although this can hardly be construed as a recommendation for its use as a "mixer" in one's favorite beverage. |
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wolfgang2000
Advanced Member
USA
3742 Posts |
Posted - March 20 2009 : 9:31:51 PM
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quote: Originally posted by Doc Lee
Bruce, thanks for the input concerning FP-10. To the best of my knowledge, FP-10 is still available. It's supplied by Shooters Choice in a black bottle while another (older) preparation was supplied in a white bottle.
Doc first sorry for the tardy reply. I know FP-10 is sold by Shooters Choice. According to the designer it is no longer the original formula. He now has a oil called Weapon Shield. steelshieldtech.com is his home page. I haven't been there recently, he use to have comments on the differences.
CharlieX thanks. good stuff |
“The key is to hit them hard, hit them fast, and hit them repeatedly. The one shot stop is a unit of measurement not a tactical philosophy.” Evan Marshall |
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 20 2009 : 10:30:51 PM
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| Thanks Bruce. I'll take a look at the Weapon Shield web site. |
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GLV
Moderator
USA
8866 Posts |
Posted - March 21 2009 : 1:08:14 PM
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| Doc, if I remember right, the galling problem can be solved by hard chrome job on the rails. |
'the world is round everywhere'
'The meek will inherit the earth, but only after the last soldier has left it to them in his will' |
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Doc Lee
Advanced Member
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - March 21 2009 : 1:26:22 PM
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George, thank you for the information. Hard chrome seems like it would be an excellent way to protect the rails from galling.
Doc Lee |
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12XLR8
Starting Member
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - July 30 2009 : 04:09:22 AM
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| Hello guys i'm new to this forum. I just want to take this time to say Hello. I have a quick question though. I have heard that you shouldn't use WD40 on weapons because if it gets on your bullets primer it might fail to fire. How will motor oil ( mobile 1 ) compare. Currently i'm using CorrosionX, and so far it works great. Any information is greatly appreciated Thanks. CharlieX great information! |
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