Do you grease your rails?

Prof Young · March 12, 2020, 11:24 AM

Smithers:

So one of the things I've learned from buying a used Bauer Pistol is this thing called galling. To prevent it in the Bauer I bought some "anit-galling" gun grease to use on the slide/rails. As I was cleaning my Kel-Tec P3AT yesterday, in the reassembly process, I went ahead and greased the slide rails, lightly, on it.

Is it common practice to grease slide/rails? Does it increase gun longevity?

Life is good.
Prof Young

AgedWarrior · March 12, 2020, 02:02 PM

I use Slip 2000 EWG grease on rails/slides. A thin application works great. I have no significant wear indications at all. I recommend some type of lightweight grease on the rails.

Ingramite · March 12, 2020, 02:20 PM

It's common for me to grease the rails on my pistols.

Scorch · March 12, 2020, 02:49 PM

Back in the 1980s, RIG grease was the ticket. Nowadays, there are lots of options. Militec grease is what I use in the shop, but I used to use the old blue waterproof marine bearing grease on stainless guns and never had a problem. Just about any good quality grease will work. There are a number of very slick synthetic greases out there, I would gravitate towards those.

**Aguila Blanca** · March 12, 2020, 03:08 PM

I grease the rails in warm and hot weather. I don't in the coldest months of the winter.

Kevin Rohrer · March 12, 2020, 05:19 PM

I never grease the rails of any of my pistols. They get Breakfree.

Rangerrich99 · March 12, 2020, 08:43 PM

Done a variety of things, but for more than two decades i never greased the rails on any gun and never had a problem. In fact, several of my guns back in the day just got a bit of WD-40 everywhere you'd normally put RemOil and never had a problem.

For the last ten years or so I've been using a tiny amount of WD-40s' lithium grease on the rails. Seems to be working A-OK.

Blindstitch · March 12, 2020, 08:52 PM

Breakfree or Superlube.

SGW Gunsmith · March 12, 2020, 10:26 PM

It is a common malady to have like metals rub together and "gall" in firearms when the rubbing is done in a dry condition.
This condition is often seen in Ruger Mark pistols when the upper and lower is separated. The tab in the grip frame and the receptacle in the receiver will loosen up after just a few disassemblies and reassemblies unless some anti-seize lube is used to prevent the dry metal from galling. I prefer, and stock, a product that has copper (Copper-Coat) dust imbedded in the compound:

This product will prevent parts that fit tightly together from wearing and becoming loose. It's also a very good lube to lightly smear on over/under and side X side shotguns where the forearm iron and receiver iron rub together when the action is broken open.

David R · March 13, 2020, 07:41 AM

I use FP-10 just like Dan Wesson recommends. It works for me. No galling, no problems,.

David

Erno86 · March 13, 2020, 12:43 PM

I use Superlube grease on my 1911 rails.

Nodak1858 · March 14, 2020, 01:40 AM

Yes, I usually use grease on my auto pistols and semi rifles. I bought a tub of red Mobil 1 wheel bearing grease years ago still have most of of it left. A little goes a long way. I ended up with a 5 gallon pail of winter rated grease, for equipment auto lube systems so in the cold i use that now. With that pail and the 5 gallon pail of Mobil 007 I ended up with, I will literally never have to buy grease for a gun ever.

Jim Watson · March 14, 2020, 11:04 AM

I apply one or another oil in a quick cleanup for match prep.

I apply one or another grease to the rails only in a strip and clean.
I have a little Lubriplate and a little Gunslick graphited grease.
Back when the hardware store was the only gun dealer in town, he would throw in a tube of lube with a gun purchase to cushion the impact of his full retail price.
I even have a sample of Froglube that I will apply to a gun to be shot the same day and then recleaned.

My heavy artillery on the lube front is an unmarked jar of MoS2 loaded grease that a maintenance man at my plant gave me.
Moly and even graphite lubes are slick but they sure are black, application and cleaning are a messy business.

Don P · March 15, 2020, 08:30 AM

I've started using Breakthough Battle Born grease on my 2011 and both my Ruger PC Carbines. So far all guns are running flawless.
Temp range is -75 to +510 F grease fortified with PTFE

**JohnKSa** · March 15, 2020, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGW Gunsmith

This condition is often seen in Ruger Mark pistols when the upper and lower is separated. The tab in the grip frame and the receptacle in the receiver will loosen up after just a few disassemblies and reassemblies unless some anti-seize lube is used to prevent the dry metal from galling.

Isn't that a picture of a 22/45 polymer frame?

Forte S+W · March 15, 2020, 06:25 PM

I apply a light coating of either Balistol or Frog Lube to the rails, as directed by the owners manuals of my firearms.

osbornk · March 17, 2020, 01:11 PM

A drop or two of Mobil 1 works for me.

JERRYS. · March 17, 2020, 01:13 PM

Rig.

ammo.crafter · March 17, 2020, 01:27 PM

I use Ultima-Lube II

FrankenMauser · March 17, 2020, 02:06 PM

If I feel like doing things right, and know the pistol doesn't mind, I'll grease with whatever is handy -- red axle grease, moly grease, or even white lithium if I know it won't sit long enough to get crusty.
If the pistol doesn't like being greased, or I'm feeling lazy, a little oil is all it gets. (I use FP-10, primarily.)

dahermit · March 20, 2020, 07:31 AM

I have a supply of G.I. surplus grease (in those little individual cups) that I purchased at gun shows years ago, thinking that if it was military spec., it had to be pretty good. However, I took my .45 Colt XSE Combat Commander out a short time ago and it functioned (note that I did not say "ran") sluggishly, that is, a couple of non-return to battery until the gun warmed up.

Therefore, I have decided to abandon all that G.I. grease for something a little lighter and based on more current lubrication technology.

In short, not all gun greases are equal...especially the old ones.

pete2 · March 20, 2020, 10:18 AM

I use Tetra grease on the rails of my 1911s with the exception of a newish DW Valkyrie and a Clark built Bullseye gun. Will prolly use Tetra on the DW. I've found that you don't want to run them dry, you can always add a drop or 2 of Breakfree if you prefer oil instead of grease. I clean after every couple hundred rounds so my guns don't get too grungy even with light loads of Bullseye and cast bullets.

March 12, 2020, 11:24 AM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Do you grease your rails? Smithers: So one of the things I've learned from buying a used Bauer Pistol is this thing called galling. To prevent it in the Bauer I bought some "anit-galling" gun grease to use on the slide/rails. As I was cleaning my Kel-Tec P3AT yesterday, in the reassembly process, I went ahead and greased the slide rails, lightly, on it. Is it common practice to grease slide/rails? Does it increase gun longevity? Life is good. Prof Young

March 12, 2020, 02:49 PM	#4
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Back in the 1980s, RIG grease was the ticket. Nowadays, there are lots of options. Militec grease is what I use in the shop, but I used to use the old blue waterproof marine bearing grease on stainless guns and never had a problem. Just about any good quality grease will work. There are a number of very slick synthetic greases out there, I would gravitate towards those. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

March 12, 2020, 03:08 PM	#5
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,476	I grease the rails in warm and hot weather. I don't in the coldest months of the winter. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

March 12, 2020, 05:19 PM	#6
Kevin Rohrer Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2010 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 1,049	I never grease the rails of any of my pistols. They get Breakfree. __________________ Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA--Life, ARTCA, and American Legion. Caveat Emptor: Cavery Grips/AmericanGripz/Prestige Grips/Stealth Grips from Clayton, NC. He is a scammer

March 12, 2020, 08:52 PM	#8
Blindstitch Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 2,693	Breakfree or Superlube. __________________ NRA Lifetime Member

March 12, 2020, 02:02 PM	#2
AgedWarrior Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2019 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 210	I use Slip 2000 EWG grease on rails/slides. A thin application works great. I have no significant wear indications at all. I recommend some type of lightweight grease on the rails.

March 12, 2020, 02:20 PM	#3
Ingramite Member Join Date: October 24, 2017 Posts: 54	It's common for me to grease the rails on my pistols.

March 12, 2020, 08:43 PM	#7
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	Done a variety of things, but for more than two decades i never greased the rails on any gun and never had a problem. In fact, several of my guns back in the day just got a bit of WD-40 everywhere you'd normally put RemOil and never had a problem. For the last ten years or so I've been using a tiny amount of WD-40s' lithium grease on the rails. Seems to be working A-OK.

March 12, 2020, 10:26 PM	#9
SGW Gunsmith Junior member Join Date: December 31, 2014 Location: Northwest Wisconsin Posts: 285	It is a common malady to have like metals rub together and "gall" in firearms when the rubbing is done in a dry condition. This condition is often seen in Ruger Mark pistols when the upper and lower is separated. The tab in the grip frame and the receptacle in the receiver will loosen up after just a few disassemblies and reassemblies unless some anti-seize lube is used to prevent the dry metal from galling. I prefer, and stock, a product that has copper (Copper-Coat) dust imbedded in the compound: This product will prevent parts that fit tightly together from wearing and becoming loose. It's also a very good lube to lightly smear on over/under and side X side shotguns where the forearm iron and receiver iron rub together when the action is broken open.

March 13, 2020, 07:41 AM	#10
David R Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2015 Location: The swamps of WNY Posts: 753	I use FP-10 just like Dan Wesson recommends. It works for me. No galling, no problems,. David

March 13, 2020, 12:43 PM	#11
Erno86 Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2012 Location: Marriottsville, Maryland Posts: 1,739	I use Superlube grease on my 1911 rails. __________________ That rifle hanging on the wall of the working class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." --- George Orwell

March 14, 2020, 01:40 AM	#12
Nodak1858 Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2009 Location: N. Dakota Posts: 435	Yes, I usually use grease on my auto pistols and semi rifles. I bought a tub of red Mobil 1 wheel bearing grease years ago still have most of of it left. A little goes a long way. I ended up with a 5 gallon pail of winter rated grease, for equipment auto lube systems so in the cold i use that now. With that pail and the 5 gallon pail of Mobil 007 I ended up with, I will literally never have to buy grease for a gun ever.

March 14, 2020, 11:04 AM	#13
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,545	I apply one or another oil in a quick cleanup for match prep. I apply one or another grease to the rails only in a strip and clean. I have a little Lubriplate and a little Gunslick graphited grease. Back when the hardware store was the only gun dealer in town, he would throw in a tube of lube with a gun purchase to cushion the impact of his full retail price. I even have a sample of Froglube that I will apply to a gun to be shot the same day and then recleaned. My heavy artillery on the lube front is an unmarked jar of MoS2 loaded grease that a maintenance man at my plant gave me. Moly and even graphite lubes are slick but they sure are black, application and cleaning are a messy business.

March 15, 2020, 08:30 AM	#14
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	I've started using Breakthough Battle Born grease on my 2011 and both my Ruger PC Carbines. So far all guns are running flawless. Temp range is -75 to +510 F grease fortified with PTFE __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

March 15, 2020, 06:25 PM	#16
Forte S+W Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2019 Posts: 820	I apply a light coating of either Balistol or Frog Lube to the rails, as directed by the owners manuals of my firearms. __________________ Conspiracy theorists are the greatest political spin-doctors of all time. Only they can make the absolute worst political blunders sound like spectacular feats of ingenuity.

March 17, 2020, 01:11 PM	#17
osbornk Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Location: Mountains of Appalachia Posts: 1,598	A drop or two of Mobil 1 works for me.

March 17, 2020, 01:13 PM	#18
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,969	Rig.

March 17, 2020, 01:27 PM	#19
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	grease? I use Ultima-Lube II __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

March 17, 2020, 02:06 PM	#20
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,427	If I feel like doing things right, and know the pistol doesn't mind, I'll grease with whatever is handy -- red axle grease, moly grease, or even white lithium if I know it won't sit long enough to get crusty. If the pistol doesn't like being greased, or I'm feeling lazy, a little oil is all it gets. (I use FP-10, primarily.) __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

March 20, 2020, 07:31 AM	#21
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	I have a supply of G.I. surplus grease (in those little individual cups) that I purchased at gun shows years ago, thinking that if it was military spec., it had to be pretty good. However, I took my .45 Colt XSE Combat Commander out a short time ago and it functioned (note that I did not say "ran") sluggishly, that is, a couple of non-return to battery until the gun warmed up. Therefore, I have decided to abandon all that G.I. grease for something a little lighter and based on more current lubrication technology. In short, not all gun greases are equal...especially the old ones.

March 20, 2020, 10:18 AM	#22
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	I use Tetra grease on the rails of my 1911s with the exception of a newish DW Valkyrie and a Clark built Bullseye gun. Will prolly use Tetra on the DW. I've found that you don't want to run them dry, you can always add a drop or 2 of Breakfree if you prefer oil instead of grease. I clean after every couple hundred rounds so my guns don't get too grungy even with light loads of Bullseye and cast bullets.