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Thread: Homemade Gun Oil

  1. #1
    Boolit Master

    alamogunr's Avatar
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    Homemade Gun Oil

    I was cleaning out some old stuff I had saved on the computer this morning and found this:

    http://www.firearmsnews.com/guns/han...asses-red-oil/

    I'm a sucker for anything DIY but couldn't figure out what purpose the Hoppes #9 served in the recipe. It calls for such a small amount, either, there must be something in it that adds to the effectiveness or whoever came up with the recipe put it in "just because".

    Anyone use this or ever heard of it?
    John
    W.TN

  2. #2
    Boolit Master

    lefty o's Avatar
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    no thanks. almost guarantee a quality oil gun/automotive etc will out perform that mess when it comes to lubrication.

  3. #3
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    I bet it's purpose was to provide the banana oil aroma of the Hoppe's 9, which has now been removed from the Hoppe's recipe.

    I'm going shopping today and there's an auto parts store near the HEB, so I plan to lay in the ingredients of this red gun oil and give it a try.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master

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    Quote Originally Posted by lefty o View Post
    no thanks. almost guarantee a quality oil gun/automotive etc will out perform that mess when it comes to lubrication.
    I wasn't recommending it, just asked a question about the Hoppes #9.

    Thanks, Nueces for your input.
    John
    W.TN

  5. #5
    Boolit Master redhawk0's Avatar
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    I've been making Ed's Red gun cleaning solvent for years...by leaving out the Acetone and Mineral Spirits from the mixture it makes an excellent gun oil.

    The only time I don't use ER is when I've had lead fouling...then I switch to Hoppe's Lead Remover.

    [EDIT] here's the link http://handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=9
    redhawk
    Last edited by redhawk0; 03-02-2018 at 12:27 PM. Reason: link added

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  6. #6
    Boolit Master

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    Quote Originally Posted by alamogunr View Post
    I wasn't recommending it, just asked a question about the Hoppes #9.

    Thanks, Nueces for your input.
    and i was just making a statement!

  7. #7
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    I have used a mixture of ATF, real mineral spirits, and Marvel Mistory oil for years. I think there is even something in the ATF that causes lead to oxidize. I also clean my rimfire suppressor with it as well.

  8. #8
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    Not sure if the person who designed this was thinking in terms of every ingredient having a specific purpose.

    I could be wrong, but it sounds more akin to "and yeah, let's throw some Hoppes #9 in there too, that stuff is good."
    Currently in the process of developing the "perfect" cast .223 load for my AR-15. Click here to follow my progress

  9. #9
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    I suspect the originator liked the smell of banana extract.
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  10. #10
    Boolit Grand Master

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    It may have been as a carrier to thin the mix slightly so it could wick in to tight areas easier. Also a lot of oils include a detergent or solvent to loosen build ups for better surface coating.

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    I suspect the "whoever came up with the recipe put it in "just because"."
    ...and probably for the smell.

    Also, it's not that different than what is known as "the secret gunshow Gunoil'
    70% Mobil One full synth auto engine oil
    30% STP
    as I understand, the STP helps adhere the oil to exterior gun metal to retard finger prints, as well as, the Mobil One doesn't have the rainbow color effect that most petroleum oils have, so it doesn't alter the gun metal Blue color.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by redhawk0 View Post
    I've been making Ed's Red gun cleaning solvent for years...by leaving out the Acetone and Mineral Spirits from the mixture it makes an excellent gun oil.

    The only time I don't use ER is when I've had lead fouling...then I switch to Hoppe's Lead Remover.

    [EDIT] here's the link http://handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=9
    redhawk
    Ed's Red is EXCELLENT lube, and with the above mentioned additives, and excellent cleaner.

  13. #13
    Boolit Master knifemaker's Avatar
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    Ed's Red was made and used at the original Springfield Armory and used to clean and preserve military firearms. I have been using it for years and it is a excellent gun cleaner and leaves a fine film of oil on the firearm to prevent rust. I also exclude the acetone from the mix as it is not needed to clean a firearm. Far cheaper then the commercial gun cleaners.
    I just read the original post and that is a different formula then Ed's Red gun cleaner. The gun cleaner uses mineral spirits, ATF, and kerosene, equal parts of all three. Acetone could also be added for a more aggressive cleaner, but is not needed.
    Last edited by knifemaker; 03-02-2018 at 01:30 PM.

  14. #14
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    1qt 10w30
    1qt ATF
    8 oz of Hoppes

    mix together and put into various storage bottles. Its been my "goto" oil for cleaning and lubricating for years and I prefer it over my stockage of CLP.

    Bruce
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  15. #15
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    I understand the only reason for the acetone is plastic wad fouling in shotguns. Been wrong before though.

  16. #16
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    Acetone is also great for getting fingernail polish out of your bore.
    Currently in the process of developing the "perfect" cast .223 load for my AR-15. Click here to follow my progress

  17. #17
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    I've settled on two oils. The first is a thick oil which tends to stay where you put it.

    2 parts Dexron III automatic transmission fluid
    1 part STP oil treatment.

    I apply this using either my fingertip or a cotton swab as I reassemble the gun after detailed cleaning because you can get at all of the surfaces that need lubrication while the gun is apart.

    The second is a much thinner oil which has very good wicking properties.

    2 parts Dextron III automatic transmission fluid.
    1 part deodorized K1 kerosene.

    This is used after the gun has been reassembled. I have put small tubes ( the WD40 spray tubes work good ) on eye dropper bottles so I can get it where it needs to go.
    Some times it's the pot,
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  18. #18
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    No mixing involved... I experimented with a lot of different stuff. The only thing that was very noticeably different was Synthetic Transmission oil. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for rust protection and lubrication semi-autos. BUT, it is amazing when it comes to cleaning. I use it to clean my guns. Then the places that rub get a little synthetic motor oil. I leave a thin film on the exterior of the gun and in the bore. Maybe I am doing something very wrong...let me know if you think so.

  19. #19
    Boolit Buddy

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    CF - any problems with the ATF/STP combination in cold weather?

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by BHuij View Post
    Acetone is also great for getting fingernail polish out of your bore.
    Well, I would recommend that you wait until your nail polish is dry before you stick your fingers in the bore again....
    I Cast my Boolits, Therefore I am Happy.
    Bona Fide member of the Jeff Brown Hunt Club

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check