How to Properly Lubricate a Handgun

[@Buste770]

I am a grandfather of 12. My kids raced motorcycles. They made it to the top of their sport. They raced against the best teams on earth. The factory teams were regularly beaten by my kids. The bikes were bought by me and the engine and suspension were built in my garage. I also invented things that all of us have in our heating and air conditioning systems. I am now beginning to shoot as my old guy hobby. Your a much appreciated resource for me. Thank you Brother. Old man in the white mountains of New Hampshire. Respectfully

[@MikeSanders-u3u]

Just found the channel today. What a refreshing take on gun ownership and maintenance. No bull just straight talk with no hype or egos! Love the content! Thank you, sir!

[@johnqpublic2718]

I'll always listen when my elders share wisdom. Thanks GB!

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

What’s the time stamp for the “wisdom?” Because 55 seconds in it becomes apparent this guy doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about.

[@paulshayter1113]

​@rifleshooterchannel208 Yeah he's only a factory trained armorer. What are your credentials?

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

@@paulshayter1113 He _claims_ a factory trained armorer but videos like this are evidence to the contrary. There’s a reason not one firearm manual or factory armorer manual recommends mineral oil for firearm lubrication and that’s because it’s absolutely terrible for use on machines like firearms and it becomes a goopy mess when it gets mixed firing residue.

[@herrprepper2070]

My grandfather recounted how they used mineral oil on all individual weapons during WW1.

[@Mediiiicc]

@@rifleshooterchannel208 All oil gets goopy when mixed with residue, especially if you use too much.

[@reinoldwalser8501]

It's so good to see a video from you. After years of watching your channel with all it's sound advice and warm moments when you shared your daily activities and heart breaking sad times, I started to worry when I didn't see another video. I am a senior citizen as you and I have had my experiences with serious medical problems. So, I could not help but be concerned as the the months slipped by. You are like the old friends I have had from whom I received blessings of common sense as we grew old together. Most are gone now. As time and health allow please continue your videos regarding firearms and snippets of the your life (like your serene walk in the woods). It is comforting and a blessing. Your faithful Patreon supporter.

[@aliveormedicated]

sir your comment touched me, hope all is well

[@chriss1911]

This good man is amazing with firearms. He talks, I listen.

[@sethwaggoner6497]

GunBlue, you are indeed the guru of all things GUN. I love your emphatic, no-nonsense approach to such issues as "how to oil a gun." You are the master of the K.I.S.S. method.

[@bigg2768]

Save urself a bunch of 💰 folks by listening to this man.👍

[@MtnBadger]

I was a munitions/weapons specialist in the Airforce. My father was a .50 gunner in WWII. He also spent most of his life working and hunting with firearms. The one thing he always said, emphatically and was reiterated to me in the military was that a weapon was "stored oiled and ran dry" (clean and wiped thoroughly with oil, inside and out). If it was stored in an oil cloth as you have there, just wipe down the parts w/wrap before using/after storing and, as you say, "a drop of oil on the slide/action and you're good to go." This has proven true and effective my whole life. Never any premature wear on friction parts and any few malfunctions limited to ammo issues. 😊

[@GunBlue490]

Exactly!

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Bogus fuddlore.

[@boss350z5]

Like visiting my grandfather. I wish I still could... Appreciate your time sir.

[@JosephFete]

Whew, been awhile old friend. Great to see you and “hear” Murphy’s voice. Love Chris’s work. Another pertinent message in re to care of firearms. Thank you and God bless.

[@thecocooreo]

Good to see you posting a new video GB!

[@loulunetta425]

Just like grandfather taught me, mineral oil and paint thinner. When I inherited his 1915 Favorite and the Ben Franklin .22, they were in great shape even after being stored in an unheated cottage for 50 years after he passed. Thanks for keeping the old ways alive.

[@southpawscortz34]

You have changed my attitude about Gun cleaning and lubrication. I was making it so much more difficult than it needed to be Thank you for sharing your wisdom

[@danielmullins5426]

Me too. I'll be 58 this January, and since I was a teenager, I've been way off course on this aspect, and also on copper fouling. Merry Christmas and good shooting.

[@stinger4583]

Glad to see you back.

[@The-Dutch-Lions]

I enjoy watching and listening to your explanation films. I only started using guns after my 50th birthday. As a European it is therefore very educational to watch these explanation films. Thanks for that!

[@backwoodstrails]

Great presentation - Yeah, I do know guys that use automotive motor oil on their firearms.

[@mok2323]

Love your content, clarity amongst the noise. Needle bottles for isopropyl alcohol, clp & mineral oil are handy. Helps dispense the smallest amount possible. I like to clean everything with the alcohol on patches till clear then the chamber & bore ONLY with clp until visibly clean (use a light & loupe if necessary to inspect rifling), run clean patches until they come out clear, then finish with oil on a patch, work it into the patch evenly, then run down the bore, finish with the oil rag over everything else. Semi auto, wheel guns, rifles & shotguns. Never have rust. New guns or for heavy shooting I will have a needle bottle with clp to clean the feed ramp while hot. I think this helps condition the metal. Also, polishing the feed ramp & chamber opening with wadding every cleaning (wipe off area as wadding will leave compound behind) will help with feed issues.

[@zeljkoblazevic2152]

Sir, long time subscriber here. Please make more videos, you’re a walking gun encyclopedia

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

Thank you, sir. Love that you're sharing your extensive knowledge instead of convincing your viewers to buy things they don't need. One of the few guntubers I trust.

[@BRLaue]

Good to see you back. Your video on setting up a Lee system got me into reloading many years ago

[@JosephFete]

Have a proud and blessed Veteran’s Day sir.

[@user-pr3ho5pz4m]

Great advice. Most newcomers always over oil their firearms....I was guilty at first. Then I watched video from guys like you and now I have oil that will last 10 lifetimes.

[@789295]

Good to see you again! Missed you for a while.

[@kreelaban3420]

Concerning 'dropping the slide'. I have a 70 Series Gold Cup. Its pretty smart so I asked it if it could tell the difference between drooping the Slide Lock or actually firing the weapon and letting it cycle. It said dropping from the Slide Lock was actually easier on the pistol than firing it. Then it asked me if I took pills to become dumb enough to ask that question or if I came by it naturally !

[@michaelsimonds2632]

What a treat! I have missed your postings recently.

[@rickdavis4740]

I watched your video on AR cleaning & lubricating. Ive never heard of LSA up till then. I ordered a quart of it & went by the Bushmaster manufacturers recommendations posted in the manual. That LSA is great stuff!! I noticed how much easier it was to clean it after using LSA. Thanks for that!!

[@michaelprue9024]

Excellent advice. Over lubricating your weapons absolutely will attract more dirt and debris.

[@yeedbottomtext7563]

I am so glad you’re still around and doing well! Bought a 1911 a couple days ago so I really appreciate this video.

[@GunBlue490]

Glad I could help!

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

If you follow his “advice” you will have your 1911 ruined in less than a week of ownership.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

@ Because mineral oil is *not* a proper firearm lubricant. Using it as one and then firing the gun (and firing residue mixes with the mineral oil) the pistol will become a gummed up and non functional mess. This will not only lead to an immediate loss of confidence in the firearm’s reliability, it will also place unnecessary stress on the firearm as it has to now attempt to function through what is effectively an *adhesive* There’s a reason not one single firearm manual manual or armorer manual recommends using mineral oil, and that is exactly why. Do what you want though, you won’t be ruining _my_ guns by following an insane rambling KZbin video 😂

[@trpshooter9945]

Once again, a pleasure to hear from you Gunblue. We've missed you!

[@rodscrivner7132]

I echo, it's good to see a new video from you, even though you already have a few on this subject. You deserve a million subs for the amount of expert advice that you have provided us over the years. I admit, I was in the camp of high-priced designer oils, and over oilers until you came around. I bought two, one-quart cans of LSA within minutes of posting a video on it. It has become more expensive since then, I have given a fair amount to friends and family, and I'm only about halfway through the first can. Thanks for the new post. Your expertise never gets old..

[@tubeonline629]

I haven't found a place to purchase LSA in a long time, I use to find it on military surplus sites but not anymore.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

This “advice” is the opposite of something an expert would say. I wonder if gunblue490 works for the circus because he’s a clown.

[@JWoodcock]

With all we have these days, for everything, it's easy to sit in one spot spinning your wheels while thinking you're making progress. I think the smartest folks in our newest generations will be the ones who actually learn to balance all of the new tech with the great knowledge and wisdom that has come from all the previous generations. Wonderful video.

[@ShamusMcFink]

And I pulled out a handgun an hour ago to do just this. Great info and timing.

[@seanm3883]

Great information. Thanks for sharing this wisdom for the next generation

[@paulsimmons5726]

Glad to hear from you again. Your advice about not over-oiling your firearm is golden! Every tip you gave in this post was clear and easy to understand. The flannel wiping cloth has been one of my mainstays forever. As always, you give any gun owner what he/she needs to know about handgun care! Glad to see a new post from you. I hope Murphy’s doing well, take care and be well!

[@GunBlue490]

Murphy is a living fireworks display. He never stops! 😂

[@flashgordon99999]

Excellent advice sir. Glad to see you back. Hope your summer was great. I got to spend time with all of my 12 grandkids and their energy makes me feel old. LOL But well worth it. The first thing they usually say when getting out of the car is "can we shoot guns granddad?" to which I always say "you bet!". With oiling firearms my granddad always said " less is more".

[@Galona223]

Thanks for another great video, Sir!

[@GunBlue490]

My pleasure!

[@curtis6554]

about 6 months ago I bought a S&W model 57 a beautiful gun. I have not shot it yet because I wasn't sure what I needed to oil you cleared it up for me. thank you

[@levyrogers6979]

Thank you sir for taken your time to share you time and wisdom. May God continue to bless you and yours.

[@GunBlue490]

Same to you!

[@jeffthompson5840]

I’m happy to see you my dear friend that you are happy and healthy thank you for sharing your knowledge with us so thankful for you god bless you and your family looking forward for your next video

[@StevenB6963]

God bless you, too. It's great to see you making more videos.

[@johnmccormack1229]

Been using this method based on you past video for many years. Thank you and God bless.

[@andyd2960]

I always wondered why they didn't put zerk fittings on guns. Another great video sir.

[@IvanZehirov]

Thank you! You open my eyes !

[@chadrichard6388]

Glad to see you are well . I just finished some dry fire practice thanks to your dry fire video .

[@rickdavis4740]

What a beautiful revolver

[@msinger426]

You have the best videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@geico1975]

So glad you posted one like this again. I remember about 4-years ago or so watching one of your videos and you were talking and educating about the exact same thing. I've even talked to friends of mine and people I'd see around and when this topic came up I'd tell them about you and what you suggest, I've been doing this to my firearms a few years now and there's been a few give me a hard time over it:) HA! They'd say, 'well that might be all you put on your guns but mine's gonna need a little bit more loving...' or something like that. I knew I understood you the first time around and food safe mineral oil is the wiseman's gun oil:) HA! Nice to see another fine video...

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you!

[@siggishwiggish]

welcome back to you! I've been waiting..!

[@Bill-jv5eg]

Nice to see another one of excellent videos ! Welcome back!

[@galenhisler396]

It's great seeing you back! I've been missing your videos up here in Maine 🤠

[@GunBlue490]

I've had a busy season running around the Maine, NH, and Mass coast on the Whaler with my family.

[@m.loughlin1915]

Only semiautomatics I own are my Ruger Mark 1 & 2 .22 pistols. Just wipe them with my tattered old Silicone gun cloth I've had since about 1980. Some time around '82 or '83, I remember accidentally dropping it in a pan of Hoppe's #9. I wrung...wringed...wrang... whatever...it out and hung it up to dry. That wonderful smell lingered in my garage for weeks, as I recall! Still using it!! Never have cleaned the bore. Still more accurate than a rifle. For my revolvers, a one minute dunk and swish in #2 Diesel fuel, which is ESSENTIALLY 5 or 6 parts kerosene and 1 part mineral oil. Let it air dry on a stack of newspapers, preferably a newspaper with an extremely anti-gun editorial policy. The diesel evaporates, leaving a thin film of oil. Wipe off the exterior with the 44 year old rag. Lead in the barrel? ONE swipe with the old Lewis Lead Remover. If it works, don't fix it!!🥸 Thank you Mr. GunBlue for sharing your knowledge and years of experience with us. MAGA

[@tubeonline629]

You've got to be joking.

[@m.loughlin1915]

@tubeonline629 What am I joking about?

[@tubeonline629]

@@m.loughlin1915 You dunking your revolvers in diesel .

[@m.loughlin1915]

@tubeonline629 Yup. Been doing it for years. Either that or just kerosene. Works great. Diesel is mostly kerosene, as was original formula Hoppe's #9 which has been discontinued. Oddly, the closest thing to old #9 that is readily available now is STP Gas Treatment, which is jet fuel and a pinch of Benzene, which is the same as modern jet fuel. Not even close to volatility of gasoline or acetone.

[@timothyvanorden2799]

Nice video! Any possibility of a video on cleaning and preserving wooden grips?

[@tonyc223]

I get your point on oil. I am retired mechanic, I tend to use too much oil . I have to remind myself the the m-1 is not a transmission.

[@RAWBOT301]

I use 4 tiny drops of wilson combat ultima lube on all my semi auto handgun rails. Works great and it's thick enough to stay where I want it without making a dirt collecting mess like less viscous oils do.

[@scottchandler6250]

I have enjoyed your videos for a long time. Thank you for all the information. I appreciate you. I live in the heart of the Redwood country in Humboldt County. I have collected a lot of beautiful tiger stripe curly redwood that I would like to send to your friend no charge. I would just like to help him out, I would get a kick out of it

[@GunBlue490]

That's very kind of you. I'm sure that he'll be very appreciative of your generosity! Just click that link and contact his daughter.

[@GunBlue490]

Please contact Chris at his email [e-mail]

[@davidmerriott7356]

Wow! So simple and affordable. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@davidhandyman7571]

Great to see you again. Blessings from Australia.

[@phishno2767]

Thanks as always for posting practical, informative videos. 👏 When it comes to nickel-plated guns, I've been told that commonly available solvents such as Hoppe's 9 can damage the underlying finish interface with the metal, especially on aluminum frames. Did you get any guidance from S&W's technical people on that topic?

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Great information! And History lesson! Thank you!👍🏽😊❤️🇺🇸

[@williammann6859]

Always excited to watch your videos!

[@Gratussi]

Glad to see you back 👍

[@tosainu1]

I don’t something happened to you sir glad you’re ok !!

[@MordecaiSoup7]

Fantastic insight as always!

[@djsjr7757]

Welcome back GB. I’ve missed your words of wisdom. I have one question concerning mineral oil. Will it hurt wood like commercial gun oil? I always worry about the contact points between metal and wood wicking even minute quantities of oil while wiping. It would be a relief if the mineral oil did not cause wood punking like gun oil. Thank you sir!!

[@tubeonline629]

I take my wood grips off an wax the inside of the grips with a good wood hard wax to help keep them from soaking up any gun oil.

[@speedyconcretepumper]

Ordered some gas shims from badger for M1a and gave them your video title, very nice people!

[@twodogs7741]

Good to see you again. Be blessed my Brother.

[@woodrowbrimm2805]

Back in 1974 in Army Basic they taught us to buy a Shaving Brush to apply a very thin coat of oil .I've been doing this ever since and always had good results.

[@GunBlue490]

That's when a shaving brush cost fifty cents. Good luck finding one now! 😅

[@libra7624]

i am a antidrop type not allowing drops but a film over metal, like your cloth in a zip lock bag i myself do the same, people believe cleaning should take a long time and make it more complex by thinking you need over priced special products from gun products maketing

[@thomthompson9217]

I’m confused regarding the instructions given by several of the custom 1911 makers. Case in point: When taking possession of my Les Baer Custom Carry 1911 there was an information sheet included that instructed the new owner not to clean the excess CLP lubricant from the pistol until the break in period (500 rounds). This pistol was literally SWIMMING in CLP inside of a sealed plastic bag. Their instructions were to simply wipe down the exterior of the pistol with a gun cloth or microfiber cloth to remove the excess oil before shooting. I’m guessing that the only reason for these instructions is due to the tight barrel to slide and slide to frame fitment. What are your thoughts on this particular method of break in? Thank you

[@Mark-Marine]

I concur with you completely on lubricants. I learned in the Marines 50 years ago about the dangers of over-lubrication. Seized actions serve no one. By the way, my Nam friend, I would still like your input on how best to address an “idiot scratch” on a blued Colt 1911. Any words you have in that respect would be appreciated. 🇺🇸

[@GunBlue490]

Thanks and good to hear from you. Oh, boy. Such scratches are really a heartbreak. I'm afraid that the only acceptable solution is to have the factory refinish it, if they do such work. It's the best way.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Lol sure

[@colby7625]

Another fine video sir.

[@oldArmyVet]

When i was a kid, i would clean my 2 guns, 22 rifle and a break over single shot shotgun after every outing and boy did i apply the oil lol. Later on in life i learned what tou are saying from antique gun collectors pointing out damage to the wood from to much oil.

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Always first class. Thanks

[@JohnPublic-dk7zd]

A single drop of oil goes a long way on a flat metal surface, bigger than any surface area of a handgun...the exterior of a long gun probably does need a second drop...i've never seen sights oiled, that seems a smidgen odd, but i suppose there is a reason...one place i wipe with an oily patch is on the bottom of the slide, behind the head of the bolt, as there appears to be wear there...any shiny spot indicating wear ought to get that wipe, and then wiped 'dry', although that ultra, ultra thin layer of oil will remain...kinda like oiling the bore, then running dry patches, even a half dozen dry patches will leave the very thin protective coating intact...but yeah, people, put a single drop on a flat metal surface and watch how far it will go, and how even after wiping with a dry cloth several times the sheen is still there...there's your sign...

[@Buste770]

I am a 1911 fan. However I recently acquired a Dan Wesson DWX compact. I was looking for a 9mm and spotted the DWX at my local shop. It was pricey but I am very impressed with it. Maybe it’s just me but I can hit my target with this DWX constantly. What are your thoughts on the Dan Wesson DWX compact? Is it just the right fit for me or is it simply a very good 9mm?

[@jamesmorikawa453]

Most excellent video!

[@joefw2446]

Excellent detail. Thank you sir!

[@GunBlue490]

Very welcome

[@33journeyman]

Long time fan and avid reviewer of your body of works. Another great refresher on lubrication and Ill be sure to pass this on to my younger shooters so its not only "me" opining in such a fashion. For your consideration I have a question for you if you dont mind. Im having some difficulty in understanding when bullet mass and larger frontal areas can outperform smaller cartridges with better sectional density and velocities. I recently picked up a Model 94 Deluxe in 38-55 that is shooting 1300 fps vs my 170 grain 30-30 at 2200 fps. In short at what ranges can you extrapolate the terminal ballistics or strengths and weaknesses at various yardages between the two. Would love to hear thoughts on this matter. Glad to see your doing well. God Bless....

[@boostimalaka1]

Time to get the hunting rifles ready for the Big Game season. For many of us Northeast hunters who use a Remington Semiautomatic. Do you plan on doing a video on how to properly clean a Remington model 742. The DuPont Bowling Pin Finish on my 1968 BDL Custom Deluxe is holding up beautifully. I noticed the 629 has the Hillary Hole. The revolvers made prior to that are more desirable. You can’t compare the blued finish to the new S&W revolvers that are lacking that quality.

[@markchoate9021]

Really enjoyed this video as I have so many of yours in the past. As we all know, so many folks believe that a 1911 runs "best when wet" or heavily lubricated. I do have a question..... I have a few original 1911's from WWII (Remington Rand, Colt, etc.) and when I clean them, I usually put a thin bead of gun grease along the guides that the slide moves along. I noticed you placed only a drop or two of oil on your stainless. So, here's the question: Do you agree with a bit more lube on the old originals and do you ever use gun grease, as opposed to oil? Thanks.

[@Stab_Knifewind]

Good video, I have a tendency to over lube and it does attract dust and lint that then has to be cleaned. It has never given me malfunctions or damage though.

[@Buste770]

Thank god I watched this. I would have over lubed my firearms had I not learned this.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I use a toothpick to apply plain ol' bearing grease to the front and rear rails and done. I don't even use a wet or liquid lube on my firearms at all.

[@Martinbergin]

Great informative video greetings from Ireland

[@gusloader123]

Glad to see you on You Tube again GB490. People can always learn something from you and the videos. How is the new doggie doing (bird hunting wise)?

[@GunBlue490]

Murphy is very birdy. He even watches planes! I'll hopefully get him out soon as my new knee permits.

[@gusloader123]

@@GunBlue490 Kool! It is one of the best things on this earth to be bird hunting with a good gun dog. Poetry in motion. My dad had a very good Chesapeake retriever for pheasants and ducks. I had an English Springer Spaniel for dove, quail and pheasant.

[@ron8566]

I like this fellow. Always lots of great info.

[@ragvideo357]

I remember as a Vietnam Veteran we instructed to run our M-16 'wet' Maybe you could do a video about the benefits of, or harm it will do to an AR-15.

[@benbreakfast4314]

Great to see you, hope everything is going well

[@GunBlue490]

All good

[@4110mahindra]

good to see you

[@kenhurley4441]

Mineral oil is such a great lubricant,,,,, it's used in new aircraft engines as "break-in" oil!

[@GunBlue490]

I didn't know that! Thanks for the info!

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

It’s an awful lubricant.

[@alanstringer61]

Great video!

[@RL-ep5gq]

Good to see you, hope you got some good fishing in with your granddaughter

[@GunBlue490]

Sightseeing this year. Fishing next year! Maybe we'll set a few lobster pots, too!

[@chrischiampo7647]

Thanks Again MrGunblue 😀 Happy Halloween 🎃🎃🎃

[@Paladin1873]

If you run an oiled patch down the bore, you should followup with a dry patch. You don't want oil pooling in the chamber or against the bolt face.

[@Thoreau-e4l]

I live in a very humid area of SC, I use synthetic engine oil for my gun oil. I have to really slop the oil to them to prevent rust, way too much oil lol.

[@JohnSimoneau-b8p]

Thanks for the information, sir. Question: Is the 100% cotton flannel used lightweight, medium, or heavyweight type? Also, I watched your two videos on this, and one you said to use 2-3 teaspoons of mineral oil usp on a 20" X 20" cut piece of this fabric and one said 2-3 tablespoons...can you please advise on the proper amount?

[@Brandi6666]

So no oil in the cylinder block on the frame or in the cylinder advance ratchet?

[@shanewilliams8577]

GB is the best.

[@jamesriggs6210]

I have wondered but wasn't sure about mineral oil. What i use is silicone spray on a cloth.

[@tomemery3916]

What about cleaning the inside of the barrel on any firearm?