The Myth of Over-Lubrication

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 12/16/2016 | J Hines

[taxcontrol]

Ever have your barrel catch fire? I have not, but I have seen it.

[TruthWillWin]

Found many of those to be high maintenance.

[ChildOfThe60s]

Seen it before. Entertaining, but of no practical value. As many here have noted in their comments.

[TruthWillWin]

? Not sure what “twister” is?

[NorthMountain]

Found many of those to be high maintenance.

True. Each example, while implementing the same fundamental design, is unique. Choose wisely.

[Cowgirl of Justice]

wait, what... oh, never mind.

[wardaddy]

Wrong thread ...misleading title...my apologies

[WayneS]

The “test” they did could be successfully performed using water instead of oil.

But that doesn’t mean it’s NOT bad for the gun.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Not a realistic test...dunk the weapon in that oil, and then carry it around the woods for a week...then try to fire it.

Exactly.

In some parts of the world a day would suffice.

[ExSoldier]

Larry Vickers is GREAT but just squeezing rounds in such a situation on a range tells us not much about the validity of the test. Do it again but do it from the prone in a desert or on the move through a sandstorm or in a swamp or jungle. Anyplace where there is a significant amount of particulate matter in the air, because that's the problem with the so called "myth," that there will be significant failures to function where weapons are over-lubricated in a threat environment, not on a range.

[SanchoP]

RTFM The SA manual for the M1A1 says DO NOT LUBRICATE but what do they know?

[llevrok]

I can never be over lubricated. But I digress.....

[Organic Panic]

Depends on the situation. Lubes can gum up, collect dust, and thicken in cold temps.

[Scythian_Reborn]

Thanks, good to know, that always worried me, nothing to worry about

[SpaceBar]

Oil and lubricant are not synonymous. Outer non-wear surfaces should be thinly coated and wiped with a light water displacing oil like WD-40 to prevent rust, and bearing surfaces like slide rails and internal parts should be lightly lubricated with lubricating oil proper but not overdone. Throw it in a ziplock bag with a dessicant pouch and it will be good for a century or so.

[leaning conservative]

Bkmk

[Arthur McGowan]

“Larry Vicker and TAC-TV setup a test to debunk this myth.”

“Setup” is a NOUN.

[dangerdoc]

Later

[AndyJackson]

my apologies

Like hell. If it is not sincere it is not accepted.

[snoringbear]

“The danger lies in putting your firearm away with too much oil and the oil gums up the works.”

Also, over lubrication, especially revolvers, can cause oil migration into the ammo if gun is loaded. This will contaminate the powder and then when attempting to fire will get misfires or just the primer will fire. I had this happen once. Thankfully, was while on a firing range and not during a home defense situation. Thereafter, I lightly lubricate my gun (pun intended, haha) and keep almost dry any areas that come in contact with ammo such as inside of revolver cylinder chambers.