10W30 motor oil as gun lube?

[Disco Bob]

10W30 motor oil as gun lube? Possible? Read it somewhere that it is do able. Pls advise.

Thx

 

[B]

I have used motor oil plenty of times throughout the years, works just fine.

 

[scourge18a]

Works fine, you can use just about any oil or lubricant on a firearm. Some may have characteristics suitable for firearms, others not. Also depends on how loosely you use the term "doable"
Depends on what you're lubricating and obviously there are better alternatives but you can certainly use motor oil in a pinch.
Some people get caught up in brands like Frog lube thinking they need something specific but I don't find that to be the case. And in fact I find frog lube gets really gummy and doesn't work well at all in the cold. Personally I like M-Pro 7 S it works well in Canadian temperature extremes...so maybe you want to look at 5w-30 haha.
Your application and environment would be the biggest indicators as to what you might want to use.

 

[B_noser]

Motor oil contains detergents and is designed to hold contaminants in suspension. I would not consider using a lubricant with those properties on any firearm. I prefer to use a non detergent oil in 10 - 20 weight, which will not hold contaminants in suspension.

 

[AB.boy]

Specifically made gun oils also have rust inhibitors, not sure if motor oil does too.

 

[Potashminer]

I am cheap - mostly use ATF as cleaner, then use Mobil One 0W-20 as lube - put dab of white lithium grease on back edge of bolt lugs and along cocking cam - only places that I use grease. I only use bolt actions or single shots - have never experienced a failure to get game because of that lube in the gun - but have had a failure to fire, most likely due to bolt being packed full of grease that froze - my fault for not cleaning first.

 

[CeeZer]

Bought a 1L bottle of 10w-30 many many years ago and only half way down today, that's what I use for gun oil as well as tape decks capstan oil... lol

 

[Jmcc]

10W30 motor oil as gun lube? Possible? Read it somewhere that it is do able. Pls advise.

Thx

are you in a pinch? like Stalingrad and surrounded by Germans with all your supplies cut off for the winter ...

or are you just looking to save a few $$


If i was stuck and needed something right now, i few drops of 5W30 would keep invaders at bay but id never walk past real gun oil just to save $3.

 

[9.3 Hunter]

G96 for 40 yrs now ... people should use what they wish to.

Motor oil is - that's what it is. My firearms are not motors.

 

[vagrantviking]

Motor oil contains detergents and is designed to hold contaminants in suspension. I would not consider using a lubricant with those properties on any firearm. I prefer to use a non detergent oil in 10 - 20 weight, which will not hold contaminants in suspension.

What is the thinking behind that? My feeling is that suspension of the carbon etc would make it easier to clean and reduce it baking into place.
The need for it is probably less than in an engine but I don't see why it would be a bad thing.

I'm sure most gun oils are pretty normal oils with different additives such as dents and maybe rust inhibitors.

 

[coleman1495]

G96 has kept my shed lock from rusting or gumming up for years. The lock opens perfectly even in extreme cold.

I highly doubt motor oil could do that.

 

[guntech]

Most guns need very little lubrication, most guns need some protection from rust... rubbing motor oil over your rifle will help with preventing rust... but there are products much better suited... G-96 Gun Treatment being one... good for all temperature ranges you will encounter. I have been using and recommending G=96 for 50 years. I would only use motor oil if nothing else was available...

 

[B]

He's asking about the viability, not if it's best.

 

[franktank]

I tried lot's of stuff over the years, I prefer penetration oil for the barrel and lostite LB 8632 high performance sythetic grease on the moving parts. I better like the grease because it stays there longer. Butter smooth when you rack your guns too.

 

[just having some fun]

ed red home made lube/ cleaner is better than motor oil

if it needs a grease a synthetic grease or plain white lithium

 

[StoneHorse]

I try to avoid known cancer causing agents or catalysts as much as possible. So no, I don't use motor oil on my firearms. Decide for yourself.

 

[Battleworn]

does anyone use differential fluid ? its gear oil seems like it would be a good alternative .

 

[littlehughey]

Just buy a bottle of mineral oil, it will last you for years.

 

[silverfoxdj]

Motor oil contains detergents and is designed to hold contaminants in suspension. I would not consider using a lubricant with those properties on any firearm. I prefer to use a non detergent oil in 10 - 20 weight, which will not hold contaminants in suspension.

Agreed. I use Balistol..

 

[B]

Motor oil contains detergents and is designed to hold contaminants in suspension. I would not consider using a lubricant with those properties on any firearm. I prefer to use a non detergent oil in 10 - 20 weight, which will not hold contaminants in suspension.

Your gun lubes pack up the "contaminants" and ship them off do they..?