Whether they’re pump-action shotguns, semi-automatic handguns, revolvers, bolt-action, lever-action or semi-automatic rifles, virtually every style and type of modern firearm involves some moving parts which rub up against each other inside of said firearm. Gun oils and lubricants are applications appropriate for firearms that help reduce wear and needless friction between their parts. Even though many modern firearms are designed to function without too much lubricant, a little can go a long way. Just be careful not to overdo it as excess lube can attract dirt, dust and debris.
Firearms lubricants can easily turn into a serious rabbit hole. Ask any of your engineering-minded friends, they’ll tell you that’s so. Below are a handful of general-purpose firearms lubricants, from the classic to the modern that work well across a wide variety of firearms for anything outside of highly specialized applications.
Ballistol CLP
Ballistol is perhaps the grandaddy of all gun oils and CLPs. This mineral oil-based product is originally from Germany and dates to the early 1900s. It was designed to not only lubricate and protect metal, but it also works on wood and leather. The product was developed after the German army requested an all-around gun oil and cleaner for its equipment. Ballistol’s formula is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Nowadays, customers can purchase Ballistol in its original liquid form, in aerosol sprays and impregnated wipes.
Hoppe’s Lubricating Oil
Hoppe’s is probably best known for its Hoppe’s 9 solvent, with its signature perfume-like aroma (that one honestly shouldn’t inhale too much). The company also offers a traditional clear high viscosity lubricating oil. It’s available in liquid form via squeeze or pump bottles and in aerosol spray cans too. High-volume customers can even purchase it by the gallon.
Slip 2000 EWL
Slip 2000 EWL (Extreme Weapons Lube) is a non-toxic, high-round count synthetic firearms lubricant that’s free from any petroleum distillates or PTFEs. Its viscosity works well across virtually all types and styles of firearms and functions in a wide variety of environmental temperatures (-85 to 1250 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the manufacturer). Slip 2000 EWL stays in place even after heavy use and isn’t displaced by water. It works well in AR-15 pattern firearms that operate via direct gas impingement. Since the Slip 2000 EWL formula lifts and suspends carbon and lead particles, it also makes topical gun cleaning easier because all the user needs to do is to wipe down the parts and pieces in questions and re-apply a fresh coat.
Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil
Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil is another modern lubricant like Slip 2000 EWL that is intended for hard-use firearms that are subject to intensive firing schedules. Unlike Slip 2000 EWL, Lucas took the opposite approach and uses a blend of petroleum-based additives and components to formulate Extreme Duty Gun Oil. In addition to lubricating parts, Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil is also compatible with firearms that are shot with suppressors as its formula also helps remove extra blow-back “splash.” The compound is designed to stay out of the shooter’s face and eye protection. In addition to this, Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil is highly resistant to heat, so suppressor shooters can add a light coat to their silencer baffle stacks to make later cleaning easier if the internal layout permits this.
Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II
Wilson Combat’s Ultima-Lube II is another modern lubricant manufactured with synthetic and petroleum derivatives. While the Wilson Combat Ultima-Lube II performs the functions expected of any modern firearms lubricant, its formulation is highly viscous and particularly benefits firearms that are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. Its viscosity can deeply penetrate and get into tight and hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
