Can You Use Wd 40 On Guns
can you use wd 40 on guns
can you use WD 40 on guns
You've probably got a can of WD-40 lying around your garage or workshop. It's the ultimate go-to for squeaky hinges, stuck bolts, and generally making things move again. But when it comes to your firearms, the question "can you use WD 40 on guns" often pops up. While it might seem like a quick fix, let's dive into why it's generally not the best choice for your beloved firearms.
What is WD-40, Really?
WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement, 40th formula." Its primary function, as the name suggests, is to displace water. It's a fantastic solvent for cleaning grease and grime, a decent penetrant for loosening rusted parts, and it offers some light lubrication. It's a jack-of-all-trades for household tasks, which is why it's so popular. It creates a thin, protective layer that helps prevent rust.
However, this multi-purpose nature is exactly why it falls short for dedicated firearm care. Guns require specialized products designed for their unique mechanisms and materials.
Why WD-40 Isn't Ideal for Firearms
While WD-40 might offer a very temporary solution for a squeaky part or a sticky action in a pinch, it's not designed for the specific needs of a firearm. Using WD-40 on guns can lead to several long-term issues:
- It's not a true lubricant: WD-40 is a very light oil. For the high-friction, high-pressure environments inside a gun, it simply doesn't provide adequate long-term lubrication. It can quickly evaporate or dry out, leaving metal-on-metal friction.
- Attracts dirt and residue: Its chemical composition means it can leave a sticky, gummy residue over time. This residue acts like a magnet for dust, carbon, and other firing debris, turning into an abrasive paste that can actually wear down your gun's internal components.
- Can dry out and harden: Over time, the petroleum distillates in WD-40 can dry out, leaving behind a thick, varnish-like substance. This can gum up the action of your firearm, leading to malfunctions and reliability issues.
- Potential for primer penetration: While less common with modern primers, older formulations of WD-40 were known to potentially penetrate ammunition primers, rendering the rounds inert. It's a risk best avoided.
- Not ideal for rust prevention: While it displaces water, its rust-preventative film is thin and temporary compared to dedicated gun oils designed for long-term corrosion protection.
What to Use Instead: Proper Gun Care Products
For optimal performance, longevity, and safety of your firearms, always opt for products specifically formulated for gun care. These products are designed to handle the unique challenges of firearm maintenance. Here's what you should be using:
- Dedicated Gun Solvent/Cleaner: These are designed to effectively remove carbon, lead, and copper fouling without harming the gun's finish. They evaporate cleanly, leaving no harmful residue.
- Gun Oil/Lubricant: High-quality gun oils are formulated to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. They provide a durable, long-lasting lubricating film that reduces friction and wear on moving parts.
- Gun Grease (for specific parts): Some components, like slide rails on semi-automatic pistols, benefit from a heavier grease for smoother operation and wear reduction.
- Rust Preventative/Protectant: For long-term storage or use in harsh conditions, a dedicated rust preventative forms a robust barrier against moisture and corrosion.
Investing in proper gun cleaning supplies is a small price to pay for ensuring your firearm operates reliably and lasts for generations.
Conclusion
So, can you use WD-40 on guns? While it might offer a fleeting solution in an emergency, it's definitively not recommended for regular firearm maintenance. Its properties make it inadequate as a lubricant and potentially detrimental in the long run, attracting gunk and possibly gumming up your gun's action. For the best care and reliability of your firearm, always stick to specialized gun cleaners, lubricants, and protectants. Your gun will thank you for it!
FAQ
- Can WD-40 damage my gun's finish?
- While it's unlikely to cause immediate damage to most modern gun finishes, over time, the residues it leaves can be harder to clean and may attract dirt that could indirectly affect the finish.
- Is WD-40 good for removing rust from guns?
- WD-40 can help loosen very light surface rust due to its penetrating properties. However, it's not a dedicated rust remover and will not restore heavily rusted areas. For serious rust, specialized rust removers and professional attention are best.
- What's the best way to clean a gun?
- The best way involves disassembling the firearm (as per manufacturer's instructions), cleaning all parts with a dedicated gun solvent, scrubbing the bore, lubricating friction points with gun oil/grease, and then reassembling. Always consult your firearm's manual.
- How often should I clean my gun?
- It's generally recommended to clean your firearm after every use, especially if you've fired a lot of rounds or if it's been exposed to harsh weather. Even if not fired, a periodic cleaning and re-oiling (every few months) is good practice for stored firearms.
can you use wd 40 on guns
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