lube for the slide rails

[Dave Waits]

Don't use oil, don't use coatings.Oil disperses and evaporates too quickly, coatings will wear off rather quickly unless you have a means of pulling down a vacuum of a few atmospheres and opening the structure of the steel so the coating can penetrate.

I have been using grease on the rails of my 1911s for over 20 years. I've yet to have a problem with dust or dirt collecting in the grease and my guns have operated in some dusty, nasty places.

Basically, you guys are way overthinking this what with all these Space-Age lubes that allegedly work on the surface of the sun and spending way too much money.

I use Plastilube. Yes, it was developed during WWII. Yes, it isn't mucho-Tech sexy...it just works. I will direct you gents to the fact that Plastilube was/is the only lubricant specifically-developed for use in Semi-Auto and full-Auto weapons in a harsh environment. AAMOF, much harsher than any of us will ever see. A very small dab on each frame-rail, front, middle and rear, is all you need. I've fired up to 500 rounds of full-power 45ACP through 1911s lubed like this and at the end, the lube was still there and working.


Just a thought, jjjuuusssttt a thought.

[svandamme]

Fair enough, it's not about spending money for me.. I have the moly kote laying around my garage anyway.. The stuff is very durable.. tore down an 911 RS spec engine that was used for rallying... The darn thing had been driven hard for break in.. Normally bearings would be showing wear after 5000 km's.. not so.. the molykote was still on there.

I'm not worried bout dust or grease, i clean the thing to often (it's still new )

It's more that i don't like seeing it sweat it's lubricant on the rail...looks messy.
so if the molykote can reduce the requirements for lube in that area.. i'm all for it. Not eliminate, jus reduced..

[Dave Waits]

Plastilube doesn't sweat out friend, just apply like the photo and work the slide about four times. Then, take a patch and wipe off the rear of the gun at the slide on both sides of the Hammer.

BTW, you mention German cars, BMW uses Plastilube exclusively in all it's high-friction areas.

[svandamme]

i think i probably have some Plastilube laying around here somewhere, for use on the back of brake pads so the piston doesn't cause brake squeel as it rotates on the pad.

[BadOscar]

Dave,
Where do you get your plastilube? It looks like it comes in different grades or thicknesses. Are you using the thinnest "0" grade stuff?

[Sheepdog]

Originally Posted by BadOscar

Dave,
Where do you get your plastilube? It looks like it comes in different grades or thicknesses. Are you using the thinnest "0" grade stuff?

I use Mobil 1 thicker seems to work better. I also soak them in Kroil when new. Have used Mobil 1 sense my first SS lock up with Rem oil, to lite. I put Mobile one in needle oil bottles works great and cheap compared to this other stuff. But then again I use Hoppies #9.

[Dave Waits]

Originally Posted by BadOscar

Dave,
Where do you get your plastilube? It looks like it comes in different grades or thicknesses. Are you using the thinnest "0" grade stuff?

Alex, you see it all the time at Gunshows and probably don't realize it. Almost all the tables that sell American Milsurp parts have a box containing little clear tubs with yellow caps full of brown grease. Usually two for a dollar, that's Plastilube! Three dollars worth will last a year or so!

[Sheepdog]

I am going to give it a try. I have never heard of it. Thanks Dave

[Daedalus]

I've never used the Molykote spray but have used their high temp silicon bearing grease on my Springfield 1911 one day when I was doing a LOT of shooting (my usual drink is Militec-1 oil). The Molykote stayed in, didn't melt down and everything worked. The Militec-1 is a great oil, and they also have a grease I have not tried, but my thought was a grease for all-day shooting might be better.

Why the Molykote silicon bearing grease? The very unscientific answer is simple: I had some on the shelf!

[dennisc]

Originally Posted by Dave Waits

Dave,
Thanks for the tip and thanks for the picture. I've always only used quality gun oil so never really slick up the sides, usually just the top and let a little run into the sides. Your picture is worth a thousand words - Thanks.
Dennis