Smyth Busters: Is Motor Oil a Good Substitute for Gun Oil?

Published on December 15, 2020
Duration: 2:53

This guide, informed by experts from Brownells, explains how to use motor oil as a supplementary lubricant for firearm actions. While motor oil provides excellent slickness for moving parts, it lacks crucial rust inhibitors. Therefore, it's recommended to use dedicated gun oil (CLP) for external protection against corrosion, especially in humid or salty environments.

Quick Summary

Motor oil can lubricate a firearm's action effectively, but it lacks the crucial rust inhibitors found in dedicated gun oils. Experts recommend using motor oil for internal lubrication and a gun oil (CLP) for external surfaces to ensure comprehensive protection against corrosion, especially in humid or salty environments.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Myth
  2. 00:30The Key Difference: Rust Inhibitors
  3. 01:05Real-World Consequences
  4. 01:40Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

Can motor oil be used as a substitute for gun oil?

Motor oil can be used for internal lubrication of a firearm's action, providing excellent slickness. However, it lacks the rust inhibitors found in dedicated gun oils, making it unsuitable as a complete substitute for external protection.

What is the main drawback of using motor oil on firearms?

The primary drawback of motor oil is its lack of rust inhibitors. While it lubricates moving parts effectively, it does not protect metal surfaces from corrosion, especially in humid or salty environments.

What is the recommended approach for lubricating firearms?

The expert recommendation is to use motor oil for the internal action lubrication due to its slickness, and a dedicated gun oil (CLP) for external surfaces to ensure rust and corrosion protection.

Are there specific environmental conditions where motor oil is not recommended for firearms?

Yes, motor oil is not recommended as a sole lubricant in humid or salty environments, such as coastal areas or regions like South Louisiana, where its lack of rust inhibitors can lead to significant firearm corrosion.

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