Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil
This oil’s special blend offers top-notch lubrication where it counts.
Check Price on AmazonBest Value
Ballistol
A do-it-all product that handles everything from firearm maintenance to restoring old wood.
Check Price on AmazonBest CLP
Break Free CLP
It handles extreme temps like a champ, from freezing cold to blazing heat.
Check Price on AmazonWhen it comes to firearms, maintenance isn’t just a chore. It’s essential for keeping your gear in top shape. And let’s face it, no one wants their gun jamming up at the worst possible moment. That’s where the right gun lube comes into play. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly makes a difference? In this guide, we’re revealing the best gun lubes that the pros swear by. Ready to discover the secret to keeping your firearms in top shape? Let’s dive in and find out which lube could be your new go-to.
Table of Contents
How To Choose The Best Gun Lube
When selecting the best gun lube, keep these key features in mind:
Type of Lubrication
Opt for CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant) like Break Free CLP for an all-in-one solution, or choose dedicated lubricants like Lucas Extreme Duty for specific high-friction areas.
Viscosity
Thicker oils offer long-lasting lubrication, while thinner ones penetrate better but may evaporate quickly. Pick based on your shooting environment.
Temperature Resistance
Ensure the lube performs well in the temperature conditions you’ll be facing, especially in extreme cold or heat.
Cleaning Ability
Some lubes, like Break Free CLP, also clean, so it saves you time during maintenance.
Material Compatibility
Choose a lubricant safe for all materials in your firearm, such as Ballistol.
Ease of Application
Look for user-friendly applicators like needle tips or spray bottles for efficient use.
Environmental Impact
Consider non-toxic options like Gunzilla CLP if environmental safety is a concern.
Further reading: Gun Cleaning Supplies
5 Best Gun Lubes
Best Overall: Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil
If you’re serious about keeping your firearms running smoothly, especially under intense conditions, Lucas Extreme Duty gun oil is your guy. Designed for high-volume shooting (think full-auto and suppressed fire), this oil’s special blend offers top-notch lubrication where it counts. It forms a protective barrier that fights off rust, wear, and moisture, so your guns stay in great shape, whether you’re out in the field or storing them away.
It makes cleaning easier by breaking down all that stubborn fouling. Plus, the needle oiler bottle is a nice touch, letting you hit those tricky spots with precision. On the downside, it’s a bit pricey, and its thicker consistency might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Also, it’s not the best for extreme temps.
Pros
- Excellent Lubrication
- Effective Clean-Up
- User-Friendly
- High Burn-Off Resistance:
- Pricey
Cons
- Limited temperature range compared to some other lubricants (-38°F to 400°F)
- Thick viscosity
What Customers Say
This is the second time I have bought this item. This is the best gun oil I have ever used. Been doing the gun thing for more than sixty years. I know what I am talking about.
Rotorhead
Best Value: Ballistol
If you’re looking for a do-it-all product that handles everything from firearm maintenance to restoring old wood, Ballistol Multi-Purpose Can is a solid choice. This stuff is incredibly versatile, working on metal, wood, plastic, rubber, and leather. Basically, if it needs cleaning or protecting, Ballistol’s got you covered. Plus, it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly, so you can use it indoors without worrying about nasty chemicals.
What really sets Ballistol apart is how well it prevents rust and corrosion. It seeps into tiny cracks and crevices, so your firearm gets full protection without hardening or gumming up over time. On the downside, it has a pretty strong smell that might hang around longer than you’d like. Also, while it’s great for general cleaning, it won’t tackle copper or lead fouling on its own. And if you’re working with light-colored leather, be aware it might darken it a bit.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple types of firearms
- Effective cleaning
- Non-toxic
- Revives dull wood and leather
Cons
- Strong odor
- Limited temperature range (-20°F to 400°F)
- Cost-efficient
- Potential darkening of light leathers
What Customers Say
Great all around cleaner as it cleans, lubricants and protects your firearms. Though it has an odor, it’s not near as strong as other products that I’ve used. Fair price.
Keivin Laine Smith
Best CLP: Break Free CLP
Break Free CLP is a go-to for a lot of gun owners because it’s an all-in-one solution that cleans, lubricates, and protects your firearms in one easy step. It’s pretty reliable, handling extreme temps like a champ, from freezing cold to blazing heat. It even holds up after saltwater exposure. The formula is designed to cut down on friction and wear, thanks to some fancy PTFE stuff, and it’s great at keeping rust at bay.
We love how well it performs in all three areas, cleaning, lubricating, and protecting, without needing many different products. It’s also easier on the wallet than more specialized gun oils, which is a nice bonus. The downside? While it does everything pretty well, it might not be the best at any one thing. It can attract dirt and cause jams if you’re not careful. Overall, Break Free CLP is a solid, versatile choice for keeping your guns in good shape, just be aware of its quirks.
Pros
- Clean, lubricates, and protects
- Can handle extreme temperatures
- Advanced boundary film
- Easy to apply
- Affordable
- No harsh smell
- Wide temperature range (-65°F to +475°F)
Cons
- Not ideal for long-term storage
- Pricey
What Customers Say
Sure, there are other products out there that are better at cleaning OR lubricating OR protecting. I personally don’t want to have to use 2 or 3 different products on each of my guns. Practice regular care and maintenance on your guns and this will be all you need. There is one exception though. If you plan on storing your gun for an extended period of time then you may want to treat your gun with a proper protectant.
Gerald Moody
Hornady One Shot Case Lube
Hornady One Shot Case Lube uses DynaGlide Plus Technology, meaning you get smooth, high-pressure lubrication without the sticky mess of traditional lubes. Plus, it’s non-toxic and won’t mess with your powder or primers, which is a huge win. The spray is super easy to use. Just coat multiple cases at once, and it dries fast so you can keep things moving. We love that it leaves no sticky residue and makes resizing a breeze, with fewer stuck cases to deal with. On the downside, it’s a bit more expensive, and you have to watch out for overspray. But if you’re serious about reloading, the convenience and performance are worth every penny. It’s a solid addition to your reloading bench that saves time and hassle.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No sticky residue
- Dries quickly
- Non-toxic
- Effective case ejection
Cons
- Pricey
- Prone to overspray
What Customers Say
Easy to apply, makes shells easy to size, cleans off easily by tumbling or with alcohol on paper towel or cloth. Disperses on shell quickly; thus, no denting of shells.
Jo I.
CLP by Sage & Braker
Sage & Braker CLP is a must-have for gun owners who want a cleaner that actually works without the nasty chemicals. This stuff is non-toxic, biodegradable, and still manages to dig deep, clearing out all that built-up gunk like carbon, lead, and copper. Plus, it keeps your gun running smoother and cooler with its solid lubrication, and it even has a bonus anti-static feature that keeps dust from sticking around.
What really sets it apart is the scent. No more chemical headaches, just a pleasant whiff of citrus or bourbon. It’s made right here in the USA, which is always a nice touch. Sure, it’s a bit more expensive and sometimes tricky to find, but if you’re after something that’s safe for you and the environment, while still getting the job done, Sage & Braker CLP is definitely worth a try.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Anti-static feature
- Biodegradable
- No stinky smell
Cons
- Pricey
What Customers Say
IMHO, this is a top notch CLP, hands down. The scent is a tad strong, but it’s fresh and piney. Most importantly, this CLP does a fantastic job of cleaning, lubing and protecting your gun. And it cleans polymer nicely as well.
Todd
Summary: Best Gun Lubes
When it comes to keeping your firearms in top shape, picking the right lube is crucial. The best gun lubes out there keep things running smoothly and protect against rust, reduce wear, and make cleaning a breeze. Whether you go for a high-tech formula like Hornady One Shot for its quick application and clean finish, or something like Sage & Braker CLP for its non-toxic, deep-cleaning power, choose one that suits your needs and shooting habits. Price and availability might sway your decision, but at the end of the day, the best lube is the one that makes maintenance easier and keeps your gun performing reliably. So, give a few different ones a try, and find the one that becomes your go-to in your cleaning kit. Your firearm will thank you for it!
Last update on 2025-02-12 / Images from Amazon Product API