1911 Slide Lubrication -White Lithium Grease?

[TimboKhan]

I've always used Gunslick graphite on my autos.

I have used this for years. The key is to use very sparingly. Like, sparingly enough that I doubt that I will every really need to buy another tube again. I have also used white lithium with total satisfaction, but again, I use a very teensy-tiny amount. and spread it thin with a q-tip.

Not that it is an issue in this thread, but I think a lot of people actually over-lubricate pretty significantly. In my opinion, in certain conditions over lubrication can be just as damaging as under lubrication, and I think in most conditions it actually negatively effects reliability in that it slows everything down.

 

[Rinspeed]

I've been using Slide Glide Light for close to 10 years and I'm very happy with it in all weather conditions.

 

[Foto Joe]

From the guy with everybody's favorite backyard shooting range, Hickok45 and his use of Ballistol on the 1911.

WOW, and I thought I was anal about Ballistol!!

Truth of the matter is, I use a lot of Ballistol and if I could actually get past the smell it would probably be good for my teeth too. But...I've never had any luck using it for cleaning smokeless guns.

I did manage to get my hands on a small tube of white lithium grease at CarQuest yesterday. I was even surprised to see that even though I got it in an auto parts store, it's food grade.

 

[wow6599]

I use white lithium grease on small firearms like my PM9 and LCP, but on 1911s, and really all other firearms, I use a mix of FP-10 and Militec-1.

 

[moewadle]

I Use Gunslick Graphite Grease

on my 92FS slide and it seems to work well. I was a newby(still am in a way) when I got the gun so read an article by a guy who shoots tons of auto handgun ammo. Forget his public status but he recommended that and it was not a commercial message that I could see.

 

[runlevelsix]

I use Synthetic Motor oil with Hoppe's Gun Grease on the slide rails. No problems yet.

 

[ClusterNukes]

I use Pennzoil 707L wheel bearing grease on my AMT Backup in .45acp.
Seems to work well from the 2 magazines I've fired through her.

 

[HOME DEPOT GEORGE]

I've had good luck with RIG gun grease

 

[g_one]

I use Mystik JT-6 "Hi-Temp Multi-Purpose Grease". Bought a can at fleet farm and there's enough to last me a lifetime. Just a dab on the frame rails after cleaning, cycle it a few times, and good to go.

 

[Maj Dad]

Just Goo It!

The grease your gunsmith applied could have been any number of white greases, as alluded to in the posts. I have most of the greases and oil mentioned, and one white one I use on my reciprocating autos is Tetra - I was turned on to it by Alex Hamilton at Ten-Ring Precision in San Antonio in the 90's. He was/is a custom pistol smith, former honcho of the American Pistolsmith's Guild and their smith of the year in 93 or thereabouts. Excellent grease, but not a conventional one. Its thing is PTFE that works into the metal and is a very good lube. After cleaning and degreasing the metal you apply it, then work it in, then buff it. Works like a charm, but having said all this, I think the key is to use something - your favorite, what's on hand, whatever you choose. I have not been able to tell the difference in function in 1911s, Beretta/Taurus 92s, M1 Garands, M14s, or any other weapon with similar lubes (I don't use wheel bearing grease - too thick, but if it's all you have - hey! . Some are surely better than others, so with all this info at hand, pick one and use it...

 

[ghitch75]

a couple drops of FP-10 on the rails and barrel and that's it....

 

[Foto Joe]

Since I started this thread I've had an epiphany of sorts you could say. After having used nothing other than oil on guns for my entire life I guess there really is something else out there.

I haven't shot a 1911 for a week or so but I've been working on loads for a '94 Marlin in 44 Special so when I had the bolt pulled for the lever gun I lightly greased it in the areas where it takes a load. So far I'm impressed, it's got a couple of hundred rounds through it and from what I can see I'm not inclined to pull the bolt again. It's dirty of course but it's still lubed pretty good. I've got a few dozen Black Powder rounds for this gun that I need to have my son-in-law shoot and once those are through it I'll tear it all down and clean it all up good.

 

[MagnunJoe]

I use break free and it works like a charm. Never any problems, never any rust. If it's not very cold where u live, use oil instead of grease, the clean up is much easier.

 

[doubleh]

I apply a very light film of 100% synthetic wheel bearing grease to my 1911 slide rails. Stuff stays put where oil won't and it's slick. Nothing like the old stiff, sticky, petroleum based wheel bearing greases or even just plain grease. I've used white lithium grease quite a bit but found it doesn't adhere like most other greases. Really good for engine rebuilds but I wouldn't use it for gun lube. Just my opinion and everyone knows about opinions.

Synthetic oils and greases really shine in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. They don't thin out or thicken up like dino juice based lubricants.

I have no idea about the good or bad properties of Ballistol. I bought one quart of it once upon a time. Found it stunk so bad I didn't want to be anywhere close to it.

 

[lauderdale]

Ive used Hoppes and W-d for wet wheater quick cleaning and am allways trying to learn, W-d I learned from a military friend for a quick clean in wet wheather, why not use Remington spray?as I have a wide array of 45acp 40s&w 9mil. calibers? Any help, I'm somewhat new. Thanks!

 

[Foto Joe]

RemOil spray is fine, WD-40...not so much. The WD stands for Water Dispersal which does not equate to any type of lubrication.

There are folks out there who swear by WD-40 for everything from gout to cleaning their glasses and nothing I or anybody else says will ever change their minds.

 

[mbopp]

I used to use wheel bearing grease on the slide rails but went to Breakfree LP.
When I shot after work I would leave the 1911 in the car all day. In the winter time the grease would be too stiff to allow the slide to cycle reliably until the frame warmed up.

 

[guncheese]

ive been using this on the rails and the barrel lugs and bushing
http://www.jetlube.com/WHITE-LITHIUM-Grease-P787C161.aspx

its worked well below freezing and it cleans easy
a 1lb can will last a life time

 

[lauderdale]

Thanks foto Joe makes sense!

 

[rondog]

I bought a tube of that red Mobil 1 synthetic grease, transferred it to a Ziploc plastic tub with a lid, and I use that on all my guns where grease is needed. Also on the turrets and moving parts of my turret press. One tube will last several lifetimes

 

[Cranky CJ]

I use a drop here and there of mobile1 full synthetic motor oil. Not too much though. Seems to work well and not act as an agent to collect dust and grime like real dino does.

 

[Mainsail]

After he replaced the disconnector I stopped by to pick it up and noticed what appeared to be white Lithium grease lubricating the slide.

From the smith's point of view, grease will make the slide appear to operate smoother and it will quiet any rattles.

 

[Catpop]

I use RIG; have since 1950's.
But this thread reminds me of the car that was low on oil and the regularly used oil was not avaiable. Any oil is better than no oil! So for want of a quart of oil, the engine was lost.

 

[solvability]

One thing to consider is - it is inevitable it will get on your pants and shirt - if that matters to you get one that will wash out - bearing grease not so much. One more thing is ATF really stings if it gets in your eyes.

 

[Foto Joe]

One more thing is ATF really stings if it gets in your eyes.

I'm assuming that you now know how much is too much when it comes to lubing an auto with ATF?