Leaving oil in the bore

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Lone_Sheep_Dog

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I read somewhere that you are supposed to get the excess oil out of a bore before shooting. Is that really necessary? I have never done this. I just start shooting with oil in the bore and I never had problems.
 
I believe it's a matter of "how much"...considering the bullet has to push it out of the way during its travel.

I've read (unsubstantiated) stories of barrels being bulged as a result of a heavy coating of oil left in the bore.

On the other hand, I've left a thin film of Hoppe's or Tetra oil and shot the rifle without a dry patch first. No apparent problems.

Without accepting any liability, I'd say a "thin film" would probably be OK. :)
 
Well, consider this.
On Black Powder revolvers, some lube is often filled over the seated ball in the cylinder, no issues at all. I've done it many times myself when I'm out of wads.
so unless there is some hard evidence out there, I wouldn't worry about it.
 
I think a little bit of oil in the bore is okay for storage, but if you're going to shoot it, it would be best to just run a patch or two through the barrel.
 
If you have to get it out, you left too much in it in the first place.

My old Drill Sargent taught us to oil the bore with an oily patch, then un-oil it with a dry patch.

The thin film that is left protects the bore, and it won't hurt to shoot it.

One the other hand, if first round accuracy is paramount, as in hunting, or sniping, or winning matches?

Don't oil it it the first place.
Leave it fouled and control the storage humidity so it won't rust in storage..

rc
 
Use something like Weapon shield which leaves a very thin protectant film on the inside. You get the benefit of rust protection without the need to wipe it away before shooting. At least that works for me. (Helps of course if you use WS as one of your regular cleaning products. :) )
 
Unless you are a solder who has to live & fight in the rain, and protect the bore at the same time.

Then a light film of oil is just the ticket!

rc
 
My personal habit is that what I do depends on how long it's been since I fired the weapon in question. I live about a block from a place that makes those pellets for wood stoves. I don't know how they get away with it, but they spit an enormous amount of dust into the area. This crap goes everywhere. So, if a gun has been put away for very long, I run an oily swab down the bore followed by a dry one before I leave the house. I think a lot of this stuff depends on a guy's immediate situation.
 
Oil in the bore no problem but if there is any that migrated to the chamber your bolt face can take a beating. Just dry patch the bore and the chamber or dont oil it to start with. If there is not going to be a long interval between uses I dont do anything to the bore unless it is filthy. For storage clean it oil it well and dry patch it before use. Just be certain the chamber is oil free at the very least.
T
 
Yeah, gotta reiterate... Light protective coating. If your barrel is dripping oil then you need some retraining in weapons cleaning anyway. Except for storage, of course... Then a little excess can be ok but you should swab it before use.

Also, something to be considered, oil is bad for bullets. If you have alot of excess oil and end up with a chambered round that you don't fire, such as in your carry weapon, it can degrade that round over time. Might not be a major concern but just something to keep in your mind if you are an over-oiler.
 
Unless it's a long storage situation, I don't oil the bore at all. In any event my bores are oil free before lighting it up.
 
I forgot to mention, even though oil in the bore is okay for storage, you shouldn't leave oil in the bore in your carry guns. I keep the bores of my carry pistols and rifles clean of oil. It attracts too much crap and if you have to shoot it, it could lead to barrel damage. I know barrel damage should be the last thing you worry about during a defensive shooting scenario, but if for some reason you were to make it out alive, survive the legal battle and get your gun back, wouldn't it be nice to have a gun that still works? ;)
 
Can excessive oil in the barrel ignite?
If it can, is there any risk?
Click to expand...
No, and No.

Excess oil can ignite in a spring-piston air-rifle barrel though.

It is known as dieseling, (just like a truck engine) and is very hard on the air-gun's seals.

rc
 
The only time I've seen oil ignite in a barrel is with an air pistol.

Evidently, an abundance of oil in the bore coupled with the rapid change in air pressure can cause the gun to diesel and ignite the oil.

I only had it happen two or three times, and it didn't damage the gun. It was a bit of a surprise to get muzzle flah from an air pistol though!

Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk
 
Just use a rust preventative lube such as LPS2 or Breakfree. They dry after application leaving the bore free of any residue that may affect accuracy, or safety....chris3
 
Excess oil can ignite in a spring-piston air-rifle barrel though.

It is known as dieseling, (just like a truck engine) and is very hard on the air-gun's seals.
Click to expand...

Wow, I had absolutely no idea that this was possible. I learned something new.

Just out of curiosity, what pressures are we talking about in a air rifle? (or pistol)
 
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