After cleaning your firearms with your favorite solvent, the next step in protecting and maintaining them is using a high-quality gun oil to lube the parts and ensure they move smoothly. Regardless of the type of ammo you use, firing rounds wears down the internal parts, increasing friction. Gun oil coats these components so that they can slide past each other easily, reducing the risk of misfires and malfunctions. Lube also helps prevent corrosion, as it doesn't allow moisture to cling to the metal. If you need some new gun oil, but don't know what to get, here are some answers to common questions about gun lube to help you make the right decision.
The right lube for your firearms depends on your needs. If you prefer a one-size-fits-all approach, getting some Break-Free CLP is an excellent choice. CLP stands for clean, lubricate, and protect, and it is a 3-in-1 option that you can use as a solvent and lube to remove the debris from your weapon and oil it for future use. Alternatively, for a regimented approach to cleaning, you want to get something that only functions as a gun oil, like the Hoppe's 9 Precision Lubricating Oil.
While WD-40 is a type of lube, it is not made to be used one firearms. It is not safe to use it on firearm components, as it doesn't effectively remove debris or protect the sensitive parts. Plus, it doesn't coat the internals as well as gun oil, so it doesn't prevent corrosion as well.
Most types of gun oil are petroleum-based lubricants. They are highly refined to make them as pure as possible, as this is the best way to prevent corrosion and damage. Since guns have many moving components, any impurities in the lube can damage the parts and increase friction and heat.
Here at OpticsPlanet, we have everything you need to clean, lubricate, and maintain your weapons properly. After you finish cleaning, we also have plenty of red dot sights and muzzle devices to customize and finetune your firearms.