12GAUGE
18-01-2010, 02:55 PM
AoA Everybody.
I've been asked this question at least a gazillion time, not to mention the countless times I've accompanied a friend or a friend's friend to an automotive/hardware supply store in a bid to answer the very same question:
"SPECIALTY PRODUCTS ASIDE, HOW CAN WE KEEP OUR FIREARMS IN TIP-TOP CONDITION USING COMMON/EASILY AVAILABLE PRODUCTS?"
So, after doing the very same and totally redundant exercise yesterday, I have decided to put it all down in writing so others may also benefit from it.
Instead of going through each firearm part and suggesting an appropriate product, I'll simply list the products down and their intended usage. This way reader can easily pick the desired product(s) from the list.
WD40:
http://akalol.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/wd40.jpg
It’s nothing more than penetrating oil with some lubricating and cleaning properties. It also serves as a good water displacing agent. Usage:
1. To displace water from a wet firearm if you happen to drop it in mud/water during a hunt.
2. To lubricate a firearm (emergency usage only), not a substitute to proper/dedicated lubricant.
3. To clean a firearm (emergency usage only) in case you get it dirty by dropping it in dirt or something. It also cleans carbon/gunk pretty well but no way near a specialty cleaner.
4. To remove stuck screws, specially stuck choke tubes. Infact if you don’t have any proper choke tube grease this can be used only as an emergency relief. Never ever install a dry choke tube as installing/removing it can damage threads.
Even though WD40 is not designed to be used on firearms but I always advise to have it laying around just in case. Especially on hunts where you don’t want to carry a whole bag full of firearm cosmetics, a single aerosol can of WD40 renders itself quiet useful. However I would still advise that it cannot replace a specialty product that is designed to do a specific job. I would advise against using WD40 as rust preventive as it gums up over time.
Carnauba Automotive Wax:
http://www.kangaroo.co.kr/kang-english/prod-car/cosmic-b1.jpg
Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of a palm tree. It produces the glossy shine/finish that we’ve all seen after we wax our cars with a quality automotive wax. Fortunately, this wax also works wonders on firearms. Usage:
1. Two-three coatings of a quality Carnauba wax on blued/Stainless Steel will give rich/deep gloss to your firearm. It’ll make an old firearm look like fresh out of factory brand new. Plus it will seal the metal underneath protecting it from corrosion. Apply with an appropriate applicator (usually a sponge) then buff to a beautiful shine.
2. One-two coats of Carnauba wax on the wooden parts of your firearm will do wonders. Your shotgun/rifle stock will look practically brand new. It’ll preserve the wood underneath from moisture and small scratches. Apply with an appropriate applicator (usually a sponge) then buff to a beautiful shine.
CAUTION: for outer surfaces only. Not to be used on any moving parts. Not to be used inside the bore.
I’ve only used Cosmic Wax and I’ve quiet satisfied with it. it does not contain any abrasive additives which can harm with multiple applications. There is one other quiet talked about at pakwheels.com called Mothers wax. I haven’t seen it so cannot comment. Just remember that any quality Carnauba wax will do as long as it doesn’t have any abrasive additives.
Leather and Tyre Wax:
http://www.kangaroo.co.kr/kang-english/prod-car/wax-b.jpg
If you own firearms that have polymer/plastic furniture then you’ll instantly become a believer after the very first application of a quality leather/tyre wax. Just a simple spray on and wipe off. It’ll make that faded black polymer furniture look that brand new black that u used to remember. It’ll also make those tiny/nasty scratches totally disappear. Usage:
1. A simple spray on and wipe off procedure to bring back the youth of your firearm’s polymer furniture
2. Don't forget that dusty old/faded rubber butt pad. It also needs a spray to look brand new.
There are many brands out there but I’ve only used Cosmic Leather and Tyre wax. It works beautifully therefore never needed to try anything else.
C.V. Joint Grease:
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Images/products/large/3510_LIQ_23251C1F.jpg
its the black colored grease. also called moly grease or molybdenum disulphide grease. it is designed to withstand extreme pressure and temperatures incurred in a constant velocity joint of front axle driven cars. also called GODA GREASE. perfect for use on choke tube threads. will keep them rust free and will prevent choke tube siezure (stuck choke tubes). you can use ordinary lithium grease but I prefer moly grease.
Carburetor Cleaner:
perfect for cleaning out barrel bores (and choke tubes) after some serious shooting session. will clean all carbon/plastic fouling from barrel bores instantly. safe for bluing/parkerizing/chrome/nickel plating but other gun finished beware. it makes the cleaning job so much easier that I have practically stopped using any other kind of cleaner since. However I must insist caution while using. I only recommend cleaning barrels/bores/chambers of shotguns and handguns with it.
I hope all this helps. These automotive products though may not be designed specifically for firearms but are very beneficial if one intends to maintain their firearms in top notch condition for years to come. Looking forward to questions/comments from esteemed members.
Regards.
I've been asked this question at least a gazillion time, not to mention the countless times I've accompanied a friend or a friend's friend to an automotive/hardware supply store in a bid to answer the very same question:
"SPECIALTY PRODUCTS ASIDE, HOW CAN WE KEEP OUR FIREARMS IN TIP-TOP CONDITION USING COMMON/EASILY AVAILABLE PRODUCTS?"
So, after doing the very same and totally redundant exercise yesterday, I have decided to put it all down in writing so others may also benefit from it.
Instead of going through each firearm part and suggesting an appropriate product, I'll simply list the products down and their intended usage. This way reader can easily pick the desired product(s) from the list.
WD40:
http://akalol.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/wd40.jpg
It’s nothing more than penetrating oil with some lubricating and cleaning properties. It also serves as a good water displacing agent. Usage:
1. To displace water from a wet firearm if you happen to drop it in mud/water during a hunt.
2. To lubricate a firearm (emergency usage only), not a substitute to proper/dedicated lubricant.
3. To clean a firearm (emergency usage only) in case you get it dirty by dropping it in dirt or something. It also cleans carbon/gunk pretty well but no way near a specialty cleaner.
4. To remove stuck screws, specially stuck choke tubes. Infact if you don’t have any proper choke tube grease this can be used only as an emergency relief. Never ever install a dry choke tube as installing/removing it can damage threads.
Even though WD40 is not designed to be used on firearms but I always advise to have it laying around just in case. Especially on hunts where you don’t want to carry a whole bag full of firearm cosmetics, a single aerosol can of WD40 renders itself quiet useful. However I would still advise that it cannot replace a specialty product that is designed to do a specific job. I would advise against using WD40 as rust preventive as it gums up over time.
Carnauba Automotive Wax:
http://www.kangaroo.co.kr/kang-english/prod-car/cosmic-b1.jpg
Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of a palm tree. It produces the glossy shine/finish that we’ve all seen after we wax our cars with a quality automotive wax. Fortunately, this wax also works wonders on firearms. Usage:
1. Two-three coatings of a quality Carnauba wax on blued/Stainless Steel will give rich/deep gloss to your firearm. It’ll make an old firearm look like fresh out of factory brand new. Plus it will seal the metal underneath protecting it from corrosion. Apply with an appropriate applicator (usually a sponge) then buff to a beautiful shine.
2. One-two coats of Carnauba wax on the wooden parts of your firearm will do wonders. Your shotgun/rifle stock will look practically brand new. It’ll preserve the wood underneath from moisture and small scratches. Apply with an appropriate applicator (usually a sponge) then buff to a beautiful shine.
CAUTION: for outer surfaces only. Not to be used on any moving parts. Not to be used inside the bore.
I’ve only used Cosmic Wax and I’ve quiet satisfied with it. it does not contain any abrasive additives which can harm with multiple applications. There is one other quiet talked about at pakwheels.com called Mothers wax. I haven’t seen it so cannot comment. Just remember that any quality Carnauba wax will do as long as it doesn’t have any abrasive additives.
Leather and Tyre Wax:
http://www.kangaroo.co.kr/kang-english/prod-car/wax-b.jpg
If you own firearms that have polymer/plastic furniture then you’ll instantly become a believer after the very first application of a quality leather/tyre wax. Just a simple spray on and wipe off. It’ll make that faded black polymer furniture look that brand new black that u used to remember. It’ll also make those tiny/nasty scratches totally disappear. Usage:
1. A simple spray on and wipe off procedure to bring back the youth of your firearm’s polymer furniture
2. Don't forget that dusty old/faded rubber butt pad. It also needs a spray to look brand new.
There are many brands out there but I’ve only used Cosmic Leather and Tyre wax. It works beautifully therefore never needed to try anything else.
C.V. Joint Grease:
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Images/products/large/3510_LIQ_23251C1F.jpg
its the black colored grease. also called moly grease or molybdenum disulphide grease. it is designed to withstand extreme pressure and temperatures incurred in a constant velocity joint of front axle driven cars. also called GODA GREASE. perfect for use on choke tube threads. will keep them rust free and will prevent choke tube siezure (stuck choke tubes). you can use ordinary lithium grease but I prefer moly grease.
Carburetor Cleaner:
perfect for cleaning out barrel bores (and choke tubes) after some serious shooting session. will clean all carbon/plastic fouling from barrel bores instantly. safe for bluing/parkerizing/chrome/nickel plating but other gun finished beware. it makes the cleaning job so much easier that I have practically stopped using any other kind of cleaner since. However I must insist caution while using. I only recommend cleaning barrels/bores/chambers of shotguns and handguns with it.
I hope all this helps. These automotive products though may not be designed specifically for firearms but are very beneficial if one intends to maintain their firearms in top notch condition for years to come. Looking forward to questions/comments from esteemed members.
Regards.