View Full Version : Running an auto dry
cold dead hands
August 12, 2008, 07:35 PM
What kind of enviornment would YOU run a semi auto as dryly as possible in?
Just asking.
I would think that I would skip lubrication of any type in a very cold and/or dusty enviornment.
Saab1911
August 12, 2008, 07:38 PM
There is no situation in which you would want to run a firearm dry.
Modern lubricants flow at arctic temperatures.
cold dead hands
August 12, 2008, 07:44 PM
Possible, as far as cold place to shoot would go, but even the finest lubes harden at very low temperatures and we have seen battle at ungodly low temps in the past.
I would also like to add that in a very dusty enviornment a lube and dust will make fine polish and grinding compound to the point that critical tolerance will be destroyed. Think emery paste.
varoadking
August 12, 2008, 07:52 PM
Never run a firearm dry. Perhaps some environments lead to running one somewhat dryer than others, but never run one dry...
Stone Cold
August 12, 2008, 07:55 PM
The first shot is the driest. The heat generated by friction and combustion instantly create wetness. Coldness is not a worry with most quality lubes.
oldcspsarge
August 12, 2008, 08:48 PM
most gun oils/lubricants trap unburned gun powder and air borne contaminants from lint to dust.A light coat of a metal conditioner like Militec will work very well.
If the pistol has a coating such as black-T or Bearcoat, you can run them dry as the coating is self lubricating with Teflon.
Sixer
August 12, 2008, 08:54 PM
Dry as a bone if your'e carrying a Glock! :)
HK123
August 12, 2008, 08:57 PM
Dry as a bone if your'e carrying a Glock!
Not me. I lube all my guns.
B.N.Real
August 12, 2008, 11:05 PM
If you're woried about dust contamination,there are excellent lubes availible that are not as sticky as traditional oils or greases.
Silicone,graphite based and synthetic ones come to mind.
evan1293
August 12, 2008, 11:08 PM
Dry as a bone if your'e carrying a Glock!
If you're trying to see how fast you can wear it out then, yes.
IdahoG36
August 12, 2008, 11:53 PM
What kind of enviornment would YOU run a semi auto as dryly as possible in?
Just asking.
I would think that I would skip lubrication of any type in a very cold and/or dusty enviornment
Never. There are special lubes available for these situations. It is extremely dusty where I live and colder than hell in the winter. For that reason, I use OTIS Special Forces dry lube. It goes on as a liquid, but very quickly dries completely, leaving no oily residue. Nothing to attract dirt and dust, nothing to freeze. Check it out.
http://www.otisgun.com/cgistore/store.cgi?page=/new/product.html&setup=1&ida=198&idp=196&his=0%7C196&cart_id=78735.904
JohnKSa
August 13, 2008, 12:56 AM
Not entirely applicable, but I believe that some tests were run on the AR-15 which found that even in very dusty environments the gun ran better when well lubricated.
Lubrication can be overdone, but too little lubrication is likely to have more dramatic negative effects, IMO.
I've even seen a Glock brought to a grinding halt by too little lube. I've also seen one choke from too much lube. Overall while both cause problems the underlubed gun ran much more poorly than the one with too much oil. The one with too much oil malfunctioned occasionally, with the malfunctions becoming more common as the fouling built up. The underlubricated gun malfunctioned frequently and the slide was quite difficult to operate manually.
On the other hand, it's not common for guns to be under lubricated. Most people tend to apply more oil than is necessary. The Glock I mentioned had been cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner and at least some parts of the gun had been left entirely dry.
Scope Bite
August 13, 2008, 02:02 AM
I run my P95DC dry all the time, while hiking around the desert. It hasn't complained yet.
RsqVet
August 13, 2008, 07:49 AM
+1 on Dry glocks not working -- have seen it with my own eyes.
Thing I find is it's rare as most folks don't clean so well as to truly be 100% dry.
Alleykat
August 13, 2008, 08:42 AM
Just a word to the wise for those of you using Mobil 1 for firearms lube: If you're shooting in an environment colder than -60*F or hotter than around 450*F, then you should probably consider a different lube. Otherwise, Mobil 1 will offer protection within those parameters.
I have no plans to do any shooting in the fine sands of the Middle East, and "normal" dust and grime don't concern me.
Que
August 13, 2008, 08:56 AM
Lubrication can be overdone, but too little lubrication is likely to have more dramatic negative effects, IMO.
I can testify to that. Recently I shot my Smith CS9 after having forgotten to lube it after a complete clean. The first two mags were just fine, but after that all heck broke loose. I experienced most every malfunction known to man. While Smiths tend to like to be run a little on the wet side, running a gun dry is asking for problems. I'd also add that I had cleaned the mag (only had one at the time) and had also failed to lube it. I'm certain that it contributed to the problems
P97
August 13, 2008, 12:32 PM
I run all my guns dry all the time. I use Eezox. :D
packa45
August 13, 2008, 07:58 PM
Slide Glide works well in a dusty shooting environment. They have I think 3 different thicknesses for temps. I only have used the Lite thickness and never very much. I use it on all my autos. The Glock probably gets the least amount but I don't run it dry.
overkill556x45
August 13, 2008, 08:44 PM
I used LSAT grease on my M9 in afghanistan. I only lube the rails the slide rides on.(Some guys dumped CLP all over the whole thing) I use Wilson Combat grease on my 1911 and G17. Running an auto dry seems like a bad idea, but I've never done it. I heard guys from other units say they didn't lube their guns to avoid dust buildup. I'd rather do more frequent maintainence and keep it lubed so I know it works.
WESHOOT2
August 14, 2008, 06:20 AM
Surprised how many handguns fail in the sub-zero (coldest start temp: -17F) conditions we occasionally face at our local (www.gmps.ws) USPSA matches.
Not so surprised at how many fail in talc-like dust.
Might not fail after twenty rds, but many fail after 50--100......
I use BreakFree CLP on my handguns.
Magyar
August 14, 2008, 06:43 AM
I use Eezox
If you could just get by "the smell"!! Guaranteed to clear your sinuses.:D
WESHOOT2
August 14, 2008, 07:16 AM
There is none worse than Tetraskunk.
stevelyn
August 14, 2008, 09:02 AM
Dry as a bone if your'e carrying a Glock!
Nope. Even Glocks have lube requirements. You may be able to get away with it for a longer period than with other guns, but eventually you'll get a stoppage.
Sixer
August 14, 2008, 10:42 AM
I wasnt honestly suggesting that you dont need to lube up your Glock. I keep mine well oiled at all times.
I also wouldnt suggest that you live in an abnormally hot / cold / dry environment... but hey, thats just me:)
I am not a glock "fanboy" - but IF I had to choose one firearm to take into those conditions, with little or no oil, it would probably be a Glock.
ElectricHellfire
August 14, 2008, 11:00 AM
I pretty much lube my Glocks as directed in in the manual. Which is not a lot and I end up wiping most of it off in the end. For my other handguns I oil a little more but I still end up wiping some off. I don't like shooting "wet" as it tends to spray the lube everywhere including on your nearest neighbor. I once saw someone's shooting glasses covered in lube from the spray of his weapon. I cannot say Ive ever ran any gun completely dry.
Stone Cold
August 14, 2008, 04:35 PM
Motor oil has benzene, which will damage blueing and metal. Not a wise lube.
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.