Grease and oil, answers to some slippery questions....
I know, I know, it's a terrible pun and title for a blog...I just couldn't help myself!
During the course of the year, we handle hundreds of shotguns belonging to us and our customers. Some are sent to us to sell on consignment and others for simple repairs or shipping to their respective manufacturers for updates or repair. While in our posession, we inspect them for obvious (and not so obvious...) flaws and items needing attention. On of the most common issues, other than dirt and grime, we encounter is improper lubrication of the guns.
In many instances I am looking for the grease fittings on the gun because there is so much grease packed in there I can't imagine any other way to get it all in there. Other times its like looking into the Sahara desert...not a drop of grease or oil anywhere! Both instances are harmful to your fine target guns and can cause irrepairable damage as well as some potential safety issues!
Ok...so what do you do?
There are dozens of lubricants, greases and CLP's (Cleaner-Lubricant-Protectant) out there. Most of which are more than adequate for target shotgun and hunting gun use. I prefer synthetic lubes and some are even biodegradable. We carry the Gunzilla line of CLP and its what I use to lube and protect all my firearms where a grease is not warranted. It cleans and protects against rust and corrosion better than any I have used thus far. For my auto pistols it is absolutely the best as it is not greasy and won't stain my clothes when I carry one in a holster or belt. It does a great job on shotgun barrels getting out plastic and carbon. All our display guns, which get handled by our customers, get the Gunzilla treatment. its on our website...check it out!
Grease and heavy oil. There are some points on all guns where grease or heavy lubricating oil are necessary. Break open O/U shotguns need a small dab of grease on the hinge pin(s) and cocking cams. Shooters using release triggers with hooks need a very slick oil to make sure they don't hang fire. SLIP-2000 is the choice here. They make a very good grease which comes in a large needle like applicator. This is perfect for getting just the right amount to the spots that need it...as opposed to the "cover everything" method! The SLIP-2000 oil is the very best I have ever used for release trigger hooks and hammer sears. It stays put and provides a very slick surface coverage even under extreme pressures of hammers and sears. We have these on the website as well!
Remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to lubricants. If you have questions about a particular gun send me an email or give me a call and I'll be happy to help.
Shoot well and often!
Bob