M1 shooters...what to lube with?
- Thread starter Redhat
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I've been using PlastiLube I bought from either Fulton or Scott Duff. One little jar has lasted about 10 years now.
I also have a free sample of Militech I use. It seems about the same as the Plastilube.
If you aren't seeing any problems using what you have, I'd keep using it until I ran out.
I also have a free sample of Militech I use. It seems about the same as the Plastilube.
If you aren't seeing any problems using what you have, I'd keep using it until I ran out.
DMK
Member
I use Breakfree CLP and Lubriplate Grease. Both are cheap and easy to find (get the Lubriplate in your local auto parts store).
loadedround
Member
I bouught a can of Lubriplate from Brownell's several years ago(much cheaper than buying it by the tube) and I use it both both my M1 and M1A and am very pleased with the relusts of this lubricant. Mater of fact I use it on all my semi auto pistols also.
If you want to get the facts on what the Military used, checkout the following site, and pull up the specifications I have listed. http://assist.daps.dla.mil/online/start/, go to “Quick search” If you read in the book “M1 Garand to M14 Rifle”, you will find that the military had a problem with the Garand seizing in wet weather. So the military purchased commercial greases, conducted a rain test on them, and found that Lubriplate 130 was the most acceptable commercial grease. I think animal fat was actually the best of them all! Then they wrote a performance specification around the material properties of Lubriplate 130. Anyone who could make a grease that passed the tests outlined in Mil-G-46003 was able to sell it as Rifle Grease to the Military.
What you find is that Military Rifle Grease is basically a NLGI 3 water resistant bearing grease. I do not see any reason why a good grade of Marine Wheel Bearing grease would not work equally as well.
Rifle grease is meant for a hot wet environment. And is not meant to be used in temperatures less than 32 F.
I really like LSA as an all weather overall lubricant. VV-L-800 also is a good lubricating oil for rifles if you read the specification.
As for commercial oils, I have used synthetic Mobil 1 5W-30 Motor oil for decades as a lubricant. Just rub it in on an oily patch. .
I think the easiest advice to follow, that I was given as a novice, for M1/M14’s was to use LSA in the winter and rifle grease in the summer. But as long as you use an oil in the winter, and a grease in the summer, your Garand will not have any lubrication problems.
What you find is that Military Rifle Grease is basically a NLGI 3 water resistant bearing grease. I do not see any reason why a good grade of Marine Wheel Bearing grease would not work equally as well.
Rifle grease is meant for a hot wet environment. And is not meant to be used in temperatures less than 32 F.
I really like LSA as an all weather overall lubricant. VV-L-800 also is a good lubricating oil for rifles if you read the specification.
As for commercial oils, I have used synthetic Mobil 1 5W-30 Motor oil for decades as a lubricant. Just rub it in on an oily patch. .
I think the easiest advice to follow, that I was given as a novice, for M1/M14’s was to use LSA in the winter and rifle grease in the summer. But as long as you use an oil in the winter, and a grease in the summer, your Garand will not have any lubrication problems.
SoCalShooter
Member
Well I just use CLP and I lube the barrel after cleaning it with tetra...as for the breach or the internal magazine its not necessary leave it dry.
Steve in PA
Member
Lubriplate for the parts that recommend grease, CLP or RemOil for those that require a liquid.
M1 Shooter
Member
Lubriplate, Plastilube, Tetra, Mil-Tec, and TW-25b will all work as will other greases. Currently I use Lubriplate. You should be able to find it at any good auto parts store like NAPA or Schuck's. That's where I got mine, they sell it in a 1 pound tub, and it lasts a long time. I've been using the same tub for the last 5 years and I've hardly made a dent. It might just be a lifetime supply of rifle grease. That's the best deal I know of.
enichols
Member
How about RIG grease? I use that stuff and it seems to work pretty well.
7mmsavage
Member
High temp wheel bearing grease. Like M1 shooter, I bought a 1 lb tub and it seems like this could be a lifetime supply. I also use it on my mini & AK. Barrels get Hoppes elite gun oil. Nothing fancy, but I haven't had any problems.
HM2PAC
Member
I use Valvoline synthetic grease. It meets NLGI #2 GC-LB Lithium Complex Grease.
It is rated down to -40 F and up to 400 F.
A 1 lb tube cost around $10. I use it on all my semi's, it will probably last for years.
The great thing about grease is it stays put and does not run off.
The bad thing about grease is it stays put and can trap grit into working metal parts.
Double edged sword, eh?
It is rated down to -40 F and up to 400 F.
A 1 lb tube cost around $10. I use it on all my semi's, it will probably last for years.
The great thing about grease is it stays put and does not run off.
The bad thing about grease is it stays put and can trap grit into working metal parts.
Double edged sword, eh?
Lone_Gunman
Member
CLP and Lubriplate for me.
General Geoff
Member
CLP and molybdenum grease is what I use for my M1A (I know, a bit different, but should work great for a Garand too)
30Cal
Member
It's worked fine with just about any grease I've tried. I think replacing grease after you fire and not using too much is more important that what kind of grease you use.
Cycle the action a bunch of times, then wipe off most of the grease. Too much will collect grit.
Cycle the action a bunch of times, then wipe off most of the grease. Too much will collect grit.
I've been useing Mag1, Hi-Temp, Disc Brake-Wheel Bearing, lithium-based grease on all the parts designated to have grease on my M1 Garand. Seems to work pretty good and it's a pretty red color too! 
From some older cast bullet articles, lithium grease is also supposed to be an excellent lube for cast rifle bullets, although a pain to handle.
From some older cast bullet articles, lithium grease is also supposed to be an excellent lube for cast rifle bullets, although a pain to handle.
I've been using XF-7 from MD Labs for about 2 years now. Slowly converting basically all of my guns to this for essentially all applications. Works great and doesnt cook off or freeze (despite our subzero PA mountaintop temps). A little goes a long way. Interestingly, I've found that cleanup has become easier and easier as well. Available from multiple web dealers and Brownells. Previously, I also used NLGI 2 or 3 greases with good results. The one that actually worked the best for me here was made by ARG and is a blue grease originally designed for oil drilling equipment in the woods; it similarly worked in both hot and butt cold temps. Previous to that I used original Lubriplate 130 and Plastilube. They also worked but IMHO the oil drilling and bearing greases actually do a better job for cheaper. XF7 spanks all of them but much more expensive so you'll have to choose you "poison". Good luck.
Regards,
Bob
Regards,
Bob
Crimper-D
Member
I'm presently using a small jar of......
Lithium grease of unknown parentage that does the job adequately. I tend to lube spareingly as lube and grit seem attracted to each other
Lithium grease of unknown parentage that does the job adequately. I tend to lube spareingly as lube and grit seem attracted to each other
P-32
Member
I don't think it's going to hurt the rifle if you use any ole' grease as long as there is luberation there. I use Sil-Glyde. I got it at Napa and has a operating temp from -20 to +600 F. I have used Hi-temp wheel bearing grease and luberplate. The luberplate in the tube is not the same as what was used back in the day. I also don't change the grease everytime I shoot. I wait until looks like it needs to be changed which is about twice a year. For oil I use FP-10.
(I do clean the bore everytime I shoot though)
(I do clean the bore everytime I shoot though)
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