Effects of Gun Lube?

pestobanana · April 25th, 2010, 23:23

Hi guys

I am aware that most websites instruct you to use silicone lubricant on your barrel. What are the effects of this? Most websites said to use the oil as it apparently reduces friction, however I read somewhere about a guy that actually did testing on an airsoft gun using, no lubricant, 100% silicone lubricant, and WD-40. Surprisingly, the guy found that using silicone lubricant gave the lowest muzzle velocity, and WD-40 the highest. Do not ask me to cite this, as I read it some time last year, or maybe two years ago.

I used to use silicone oil on my guns, but I noticed a drop in accuracy when I did use it. I then did some more research, and it said to clean out the excess oil. The accuracy was slightly better, but it still took a few hundred shots before any coherent consistency to become apparent.

I doubt it was because of the quality of the silicone oil, because 1 was classic army silicone and the other was AirsoftAtlanta silicone oil.

I recently got a new barrel and hop up rubber, so I was wondering whether or not I should lubricate it.

Thanks!

L473ncy · April 25th, 2010, 23:47

It's probably a result of silicone/lubricant residue on the hop up and as a result the hop up not working it's magic to it's fullest extent.

As for lubricants the WD-40 would eat at any rubber in the guns. Ttry it one day, seeing it for yourself is the best proof. Go to your local hardware store and buy a few rubber o-rings or something made of rubber and try spraying a bit of WD-40 on it to see what happens.

Anything else would be fine to use WD-40 on (although it's moreso a rust remover and NOT supposed to be used as a standalone lubricant).

krap101 · April 25th, 2010, 23:52

I think the main reason they use silicone oil is because oils based on petroleum distillates wear down rubber/polymers, so it would be bad for the bucking to use wd-40

Amos · April 25th, 2010, 23:58

Even having a can of WD40 in the same room as an airsoft gun is just asking for trouble.

LUBRICATING YOUR BARREL DOES NOTHING FOR VELOCITY.

VELOCITY IS DETERMINED BY THE COMPRESSION OF AIR IN A CYLINDER FORCED OUT OF A NOZZLE BEHIND A BB.

FRICTION IN YOUR BARREL IS ENTIRELY NEGLIGIBLE UNLESS YOUR INNER BARREL IS MADE OUT OF SAND PAPER.

CAPS LOCK MAKES THIS POST SOUND LIKE I'M YELLING SERIOUS THINGS.

pestobanana · April 26th, 2010, 00:01

I'm well aware of the issues surrounding WD-40. I believe them mostly to be theory and speculation though, because at one point in time when I was a noob, I used WD-40 in one of my old JG's, but there were no ill effects that I noticed after a year. I never opened up the gearbox though.

Again, my question is should I, or should I not use my silicone lube on my gun? It's currently sporting a Prometheus tightbore, G&P clear rubber, and an SCS.

pestobanana · April 26th, 2010, 00:02

Right now, FPS is not my concern, my concern is in regards to the effects on accuracy.

Amos · April 26th, 2010, 00:07

"hop-up" is a system that is entirely based on friction from the rubber onto the BB..

You remove the friction, you don't get good hop-up, that translates into very poor range and accuracy.

Con Murder · April 26th, 2010, 04:17

First thing WD40 will eat rubber. FACT

Second thing, on the internet only time tested theory is repeatedly given year after year. Yes some remain theory but this remains fact.

Third thing, not all rubber/lube/airsoft are created equal and for a hop-up to last a year with WD40 is not amazing. Minimal coverage and sitting time can slow the effects as well it may be that your hop rubber is less sensitive. But that is key, less, it will fail eventually and cannot be recomended for further use to anyone.

LightBulb · April 26th, 2010, 04:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amos

"hop-up" is a system that is entirely based on friction from the rubber onto the BB..

You remove the friction, you don't get good hop-up, that translates into very poor range and accuracy.

So what's this business of sparring some lube at the BB entrance when doing a cleaning of your gun?

Con Murder · April 26th, 2010, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightBulb

So what's this business of sparring some lube at the BB entrance when doing a cleaning of your gun?

Dude its called bad information, happens all the time. Think things through from start to finish. The only way to put a back spin (thats what the hop-up does) is by friction, and the user will want to fine tune this feature. Cover it in slick silicone and the friction is greatly reduced, to the point of being nearly ineffective even when fully set on. How can this happen? Well put silicone down your barrel or in the mag wells feeding tube and you will find it on your hop rubber.

So how can you keep your barrel clean? Use the smallest amount of microfiber cloth and weave it into the end of your un-jamming rod then clean. All dirt and dust will be gonefor the most part so just do a full take down each year and you'll be good.

Hairu · April 26th, 2010, 17:13

While on the subject of lube I was wondering how mineral oil would work for guns ?
its what I use to preserve my carbon steel blades
and its dirt cheap

Amos · April 26th, 2010, 17:19

So is silicon oil...

When I get mags brand new I'll put a drop of high viscosity silicon oil down them, load and eject 3-5 mags worth of BB's, and then wipe off all the excess.

Depending on your game climate (I've heard of feeding issues in REALLY dry and sandy areas being fixed by a bit of lube in the rubber) it'll matter what you do/don't lube.

In Manitoba I have never lubed anyone's hop-up rubber and as long as they use decent BB's they do not have a single feeding problem.

Con Murder · April 26th, 2010, 17:25

[QUOTE=Amos;1220311]
Depending on your game climate (I've heard of feeding issues in REALLY dry and sandy areas being fixed by a bit of lube in the rubber) it'll matter what you do/don't lube.
QUOTE]

I've had feed issues with my mid-cap mags since I got them. VERY dry climate here and yet my solution has been one drop before the mag is filled each saturday night before the game. I tried that shit in my barrel and never again will it happen. I really cannot say that it helped in anyway at all. The only other solution I got was to keep my mags in zip-lock bags... Not happening.

CDN_Stalker · April 26th, 2010, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amos

Even having a can of WD40 in the same room as an airsoft gun is just asking for trouble.

LUBRICATING YOUR BARREL DOES NOTHING FOR VELOCITY.

VELOCITY IS DETERMINED BY THE COMPRESSION OF AIR IN A CYLINDER FORCED OUT OF A NOZZLE BEHIND A BB.

FRICTION IN YOUR BARREL IS ENTIRELY NEGLIGIBLE UNLESS YOUR INNER BARREL IS MADE OUT OF SAND PAPER.

CAPS LOCK MAKES THIS POST SOUND LIKE I'M YELLING SERIOUS THINGS.

ThunderCactus · April 26th, 2010, 22:48

lol @ stalker
and just so you know, you don't actually need any silicone lube what so ever in your barrel, not even to clean it, infact I recommend against it.
Use alcohol or windex to clean the barrel, and every now and then put a drop of silicone lube on the hopup rubber to keep it from drying out.
How this works is the BB never actually comes in contact with the wall of your barrel, so any dirt, oil, leftover lube, built up plastic or used condoms in there will greatly reduce accuracy.
Use very light lithium grease to lubricate your cylinder, just enough to get it to seal really well. and between the air nozzle and cylinder head. That's all you need.

Home	Forums	Register	Gallery	FAQ	Calendar
Retailers	Community	News/Info	International Retailers	IRC	Today's Posts

British Columbia	Alberta
BCAC	EAR
Op-For	JOC
Northern Arms Airsoft	Skunkworx Airsoft
Airsoft Kelowna	RAAT
Prince George Airsoft	Manitoba
Saskatchewan	MAA
SK Airsoft	Ontario
PDW	Airsoft Ottawa
South Sask Mercs	Snow Dragons
Quebec	1st Ranger Platoon
PQAC	Wolfpack Tactical
1st Pathfinders Regiment	TTAC3
Quebec Airsoft
MTX Airsoft	Atlantic
FAQc	Atlantic Airsoft

April 25th, 2010, 23:23	#1
pestobanana Squid Porn Superstar, I love the tentacles! Trader rating Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Richmond Hill and Waterloo, Ontario	Effects of Gun Lube? Hi guys I am aware that most websites instruct you to use silicone lubricant on your barrel. What are the effects of this? Most websites said to use the oil as it apparently reduces friction, however I read somewhere about a guy that actually did testing on an airsoft gun using, no lubricant, 100% silicone lubricant, and WD-40. Surprisingly, the guy found that using silicone lubricant gave the lowest muzzle velocity, and WD-40 the highest. Do not ask me to cite this, as I read it some time last year, or maybe two years ago. I used to use silicone oil on my guns, but I noticed a drop in accuracy when I did use it. I then did some more research, and it said to clean out the excess oil. The accuracy was slightly better, but it still took a few hundred shots before any coherent consistency to become apparent. I doubt it was because of the quality of the silicone oil, because 1 was classic army silicone and the other was AirsoftAtlanta silicone oil. I recently got a new barrel and hop up rubber, so I was wondering whether or not I should lubricate it. Thanks!

April 25th, 2010, 23:47	#2
L473ncy Trader rating Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: 11-30-24-1W5	It's probably a result of silicone/lubricant residue on the hop up and as a result the hop up not working it's magic to it's fullest extent. As for lubricants the WD-40 would eat at any rubber in the guns. Ttry it one day, seeing it for yourself is the best proof. Go to your local hardware store and buy a few rubber o-rings or something made of rubber and try spraying a bit of WD-40 on it to see what happens. Anything else would be fine to use WD-40 on (although it's moreso a rust remover and NOT supposed to be used as a standalone lubricant). __________________ ಠ_ಠLess QQ more Pew Pew READY TO >> RACE

April 25th, 2010, 23:58	#4
Amos Trader rating Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Japan	Even having a can of WD40 in the same room as an airsoft gun is just asking for trouble. LUBRICATING YOUR BARREL DOES NOTHING FOR VELOCITY. VELOCITY IS DETERMINED BY THE COMPRESSION OF AIR IN A CYLINDER FORCED OUT OF A NOZZLE BEHIND A BB. FRICTION IN YOUR BARREL IS ENTIRELY NEGLIGIBLE UNLESS YOUR INNER BARREL IS MADE OUT OF SAND PAPER. CAPS LOCK MAKES THIS POST SOUND LIKE I'M YELLING SERIOUS THINGS. __________________ Custom Builds: FA3674U Krinkov G3SD6

April 25th, 2010, 23:52	#3
krap101 Trader rating Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Roscoe, IL USA	I think the main reason they use silicone oil is because oils based on petroleum distillates wear down rubber/polymers, so it would be bad for the bucking to use wd-40

April 26th, 2010, 00:01	#5
pestobanana Squid Porn Superstar, I love the tentacles! Trader rating Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Richmond Hill and Waterloo, Ontario	I'm well aware of the issues surrounding WD-40. I believe them mostly to be theory and speculation though, because at one point in time when I was a noob, I used WD-40 in one of my old JG's, but there were no ill effects that I noticed after a year. I never opened up the gearbox though. Again, my question is should I, or should I not use my silicone lube on my gun? It's currently sporting a Prometheus tightbore, G&P clear rubber, and an SCS.

April 26th, 2010, 00:02	#6
pestobanana Squid Porn Superstar, I love the tentacles! Trader rating Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Richmond Hill and Waterloo, Ontario	Right now, FPS is not my concern, my concern is in regards to the effects on accuracy.

April 26th, 2010, 00:07	#7
Amos Trader rating Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Japan	"hop-up" is a system that is entirely based on friction from the rubber onto the BB.. You remove the friction, you don't get good hop-up, that translates into very poor range and accuracy. __________________ Custom Builds: FA3674U Krinkov G3SD6

April 26th, 2010, 04:17	#8
Con Murder Trader rating Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lethbridge Alberta Canada	First thing WD40 will eat rubber. FACT Second thing, on the internet only time tested theory is repeatedly given year after year. Yes some remain theory but this remains fact. Third thing, not all rubber/lube/airsoft are created equal and for a hop-up to last a year with WD40 is not amazing. Minimal coverage and sitting time can slow the effects as well it may be that your hop rubber is less sensitive. But that is key, less, it will fail eventually and cannot be recomended for further use to anyone. __________________ Con Murder Dark Rhino L.A. Airsoft

April 26th, 2010, 17:13	#11
Hairu Trader rating Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: London-ish	While on the subject of lube I was wondering how mineral oil would work for guns ? its what I use to preserve my carbon steel blades and its dirt cheap

April 26th, 2010, 17:19	#12
Amos Trader rating Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Japan	So is silicon oil... When I get mags brand new I'll put a drop of high viscosity silicon oil down them, load and eject 3-5 mags worth of BB's, and then wipe off all the excess. Depending on your game climate (I've heard of feeding issues in REALLY dry and sandy areas being fixed by a bit of lube in the rubber) it'll matter what you do/don't lube. In Manitoba I have never lubed anyone's hop-up rubber and as long as they use decent BB's they do not have a single feeding problem. __________________ Custom Builds: FA3674U Krinkov G3SD6

April 26th, 2010, 17:25	#13
Con Murder Trader rating Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lethbridge Alberta Canada	[QUOTE=Amos;1220311] Depending on your game climate (I've heard of feeding issues in REALLY dry and sandy areas being fixed by a bit of lube in the rubber) it'll matter what you do/don't lube. QUOTE] I've had feed issues with my mid-cap mags since I got them. VERY dry climate here and yet my solution has been one drop before the mag is filled each saturday night before the game. I tried that shit in my barrel and never again will it happen. I really cannot say that it helped in anyway at all. The only other solution I got was to keep my mags in zip-lock bags... Not happening. __________________ Con Murder Dark Rhino L.A. Airsoft

April 26th, 2010, 22:48	#15
ThunderCactus Not Eye Safe, Pretty Boy Maximus on the field take his picture! Trader rating Join Date: Feb 2007	lol @ stalker and just so you know, you don't actually need any silicone lube what so ever in your barrel, not even to clean it, infact I recommend against it. Use alcohol or windex to clean the barrel, and every now and then put a drop of silicone lube on the hopup rubber to keep it from drying out. How this works is the BB never actually comes in contact with the wall of your barrel, so any dirt, oil, leftover lube, built up plastic or used condoms in there will greatly reduce accuracy. Use very light lithium grease to lubricate your cylinder, just enough to get it to seal really well. and between the air nozzle and cylinder head. That's all you need.

Effects of Gun Lube?

Newbie Tank