Mike Irwin
Staff
"First learn about the basics of lubrication !"
Well, the first basic that people need to learn is that in many cases "gun oils" are nothing more than a run of the mill lightweight machine oils (either natural or synthetic, and which may or may not have a few other additives), packaged in small containers for the company that orders them (You think Remington makes its own oil?), and usually with a pretty massive markup on price.
And no, not all lubricants are good for all applications. A high-temperature, tropical weight grease intended for heavy machinery would likely be a horrible general purpose lubricant.
But, in many, if not most, cases, the lubricants we all come in contact with on a regular basis can be classified as general purpose lubricants, no matter what the packaging says.
That means that they have a wide range of applications. Are they totally interchangeable? No. It would be insanity to put 3-in-1 oil in a car's crankcase. The failure process would be swift AND spectacular.
But reverse compatibility -- for instance using motor oil on a firearm -- is far less of an issue.
Is it the PERFECT lubricant? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on its properties.
But your gun isn't going to throw a cylinder pin through the recoil shield and shudder to a halt...
Well, the first basic that people need to learn is that in many cases "gun oils" are nothing more than a run of the mill lightweight machine oils (either natural or synthetic, and which may or may not have a few other additives), packaged in small containers for the company that orders them (You think Remington makes its own oil?), and usually with a pretty massive markup on price.
And no, not all lubricants are good for all applications. A high-temperature, tropical weight grease intended for heavy machinery would likely be a horrible general purpose lubricant.
But, in many, if not most, cases, the lubricants we all come in contact with on a regular basis can be classified as general purpose lubricants, no matter what the packaging says.
That means that they have a wide range of applications. Are they totally interchangeable? No. It would be insanity to put 3-in-1 oil in a car's crankcase. The failure process would be swift AND spectacular.
But reverse compatibility -- for instance using motor oil on a firearm -- is far less of an issue.
Is it the PERFECT lubricant? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on its properties.
But your gun isn't going to throw a cylinder pin through the recoil shield and shudder to a halt...