Mad Magyar
Member
Most, or perhaps all of us, are victims of the advertising blitz. If it wasn’t successful, this would be a drab world. We choose our products based on testimonials, data, sometimes distorted, and most of all visual presentation. Whenever the question comes up on what products are best suited for cleaning our beloved guns: the WD-40 devotees show up to a vociferous outcry from the users of Hoppes 9, Break Free, Shooter’s Choice, et al.…But why the use of WD-40? This question has intrigued me. I’ve read many gun rags over the years and I can’t recall an ad for WD-40 touting it as a gun cleaner until a recent visit to my barber, an old pistolero. In a 1968 issue of G&A, there it was: a nice pictured ad:
“Often imitated but never equaled. For 12 years gun owners, gun shops and gun clubs have found WD-40 to be the most versatile product of its kind. Easy to use, spray-on WD-40 prevents rust and corrosion, lubricates, and is an excellent bore cleaner. WD-40 won’t congeal, prevents jamming, unaffected by extreme temperatures, and is harmless to all finishes. Not a silicone. Visit your nearest sporting goods store.”
Now, I understand. Evidently, this product came on the market around 1956. Long Live WD-40! Actually, I don’t use it since I’m also a victim of advertising….
“Often imitated but never equaled. For 12 years gun owners, gun shops and gun clubs have found WD-40 to be the most versatile product of its kind. Easy to use, spray-on WD-40 prevents rust and corrosion, lubricates, and is an excellent bore cleaner. WD-40 won’t congeal, prevents jamming, unaffected by extreme temperatures, and is harmless to all finishes. Not a silicone. Visit your nearest sporting goods store.”
Now, I understand. Evidently, this product came on the market around 1956. Long Live WD-40! Actually, I don’t use it since I’m also a victim of advertising….