gun oil

This is a topic that always generates a lot of vigorous debate, and it certainly has here. For lubrication, I, too, like Breakfree CLP. But for rust prevention, I have adifferent strategy.

I find that good old WD-40 is pretty hard to beat for water displacement and rust prevention on exterior metal surfaces of firearms. At about $0.99 per can, I believe it's impossible to beat it for price.

According to a test posted on the Brownell's Web site (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTec ... &t=1&i=503), it held its own quite well against all of the rust-preventative products tested and actually outperformed specially formulated rust inhibitors costing up to ten times as much. Cosmoline and RIG both outperformed it, but each of these is intended more for long-term storage of firearms and is notorious for attracting dirt and dust if used in the field. Just check out the photos of the actual plates of raw steel that were tested to see how WD-40 stacked up. It's amazing to see how well it performed--and even more so to find this information in a report on a Web site that sells the far more expensive alternatives.

I spray a light coating of WD-40 directly onto exterior metal gun surfaces, especially on barrels and underneath vent ribs, and wipe off any excessive coating. I then soak a patch with it to apply directly to smaller exterior metal surfaces like trigger guards, swivel studs, and tang straps. I avoid any overspray onto wood, where it could potentially affect the finish, or into trigger or action mechanisms, where it may leave behind deposits after it evaporates. While its water displacement (that's what the "WD" stands for) qualities are excellent and its anti-corrosion capabilities, at least IMHO, are very good, it is not highly regarded as a lubricant; that's why I still rely on CLP or Rem-oil or Hoppes oil for any moving parts that need both corrosion protection and lubrication.