Which oil to use for barrel cleaning?

[jirushi]

Hi,

I've used my Napier oil for years, but the can is almost empty.
I was thinking about which alternatives I could use.
Perhaps simply another gun oil that I already have, such as Ballistol or Brunox?
(To spray in the barrel before using the pull through, or for spraying on the pull through patches).

Cheers,
Louis

 

[Backgardenplinker]

I've always used this on barrel cleaning and metalwork.

 

[jesim1]

I use the Napier stuff, but when it finishes I'll probably just use good old WD40. It's just to help remove any debris, you clean it all out after use, so no detrimental effects from dieseling and it wont harm any other part of your gun. Watch out for O rings though, depending where they are you may want to replace or remove them for cleaning, but TBH, 9/10 times I'm just using a pull though dry unless I'm giving the barrel a "good seeing to"

 

[Ratman72]

Hello, Napier Bore Solvent

 

[Tricky-Dicky]

I use whatever is at hand I have used WD40 meths and other solvents depending on if I have removed the breech O ring or not, don't forget you're trying to remove soft metal deposits from hard metal never seen oil as much of a cleaner myself other than cutting oil.

 

[mjr1983]

Another thumbs up here for the Napier Gun Cleaner and Lubricant

 

[Ratman72]

Hello, Napier Bore Solvent

despite being a shotgun barrel cleaner it works for me

 

[jirushi]

Thank you gents, very useful.
WD40 it will be for me, then I don't have to buy yet another product.
Me Dutch!

 

[Storcky]

Been using this for many a year and a bargain it is, especially if on offer in Aldi’s…..

 

[moodsy74]

Hi mate WD-40 is good for cleaning out the barrel or anything at hand as stated by tricky dicky . Just ensure it has been completely removed using the patches and always check the barrel oring if it has one. One love Ali

 

[terry1001]

I prefer to use an oil with penetrating properties and leave it in contact with the bore for a minute or two. WD40 works well for me and with an air rifle should be all you need. Shotguns which can get a build up of plastic deposits and centre fire rifles willprobably need a more aggressive cleaning regime.

 

[P8X]

Why use an oil?

Use a solvent

The last thing you want in a barrel, is oil residue

 

[grumpyowdman]

Don't be too precious about it - my dad bought a Webley mk3 when I was born and we shot the bejaysus out of it when I was a kid. It was cleaned with whatever was available and now, 59 years later, it still shoots straight at about 9fpe which is pretty much all they ever did.

 

[Patrick]

Unlike powder burners which need a proper barrel cleaning solvent airguns don't.
At the moment i use Napier Power Airgun Oil as i use it in some other situations but when that runs out i will probably just use WD40 or similar.
Whatever you use just make sure it's not harmful to o rings or other seals as some guns have the breach seal in the breach housing as opposed to on the bolt probe.

 

[Backgardenplinker]

Why use an oil?

Use a solvent

The last thing you want in a barrel, is oil residue

I have thought this also but never known what I'd use. IPA?

I have never had issue using the napier stuff in barrels or if it goes on seals or woodwork. After a few shots anything left in barrel I assume is cleared away and then re leads/accuracy is there.

 

[P8X]

I have thought this also but never known what I'd use. IPA?

I have never had issue using the napier stuff in barrels or if it goes on seals or woodwork. After a few shots anything left in barrel I assume is cleared away and then re leads/accuracy is there.

At one time I had a very effective citrus solvent, but now long since run out
Now I spray brake cleaner on pull through patches. Very effective.
Then dry patches till clean

Any oil residue left in a barrel, will likely result in detonation, however mild, but will do exactly what you're trying to avoid, leaving burnt on oil deposits in a barrel

If I'm going to go to the trouble of cleaning a barrel, I'd rather have it perfectly clean

The only reason I can see for having any oil in a bore, is for long term storage

 

[jirushi]

Thank you gents, I am happy I asked this.

@robs5230 , would WD40 class as an oil? I thought it's oil/solvent in one?

 

[Andy from Sandy]

Air Arms
For ultimate accuracy, clean and re-lube the barrel frequently. It is difficult to advise how often is best for every circumstance, but every 250 shots is not too often if the desire is to keep the barrel in the best possible condition.
The correct materials are very important. Air arms only uses products made by Napier. Listed below is the Napier product and a more generally available alternative. If possible use Napier for the best results.
CLEANER: Napier Power Airgun Oil
OIL: Napier Power Airgun Oil
PULL-THROUGH PAD: Napier Rifle Clean
PULL-THROUGH LINE: Napier Power pull through kit
1. Cut a piece of line three times the length of your barrel, fold in half and tie ends together.
2. Remove silencer if fitted. Open loading bolt.
3. Feed the unknotted end down barrel from the muzzle end until folded end protrudes out 50 mm.
4. Cut a 100 mm length of ‘rifle clean’ or 100 x 50 mm piece of cloth and pass it between the protruding loop. Spray the pad with ‘gun cleaner’ or white spirit, turn the rifle upside down and pull the line back through the barrel slowly.
5. Repeat steps 2&3 until the pad is clean.
6. Repeat steps 2&3 once more without any cleaner on the pad to dry the barrel.
7. Repeat steps 2&3 once more with the pad sprayed with ‘gun oil’ or 3 in 1 oil.

 

[Andy from Sandy]

WD40 is not an oil or lubricating agent.

 

[P8X]

Thank you gents, I am happy I asked this.

@robs5230 , would WD40 class as an oil? I thought it's oil/solvent in one?

Its a water displacer Louis, not exactly a lubricant, but will leave an oil residue

I'd look out for an appropriate barrel cleaner or solvent. The barrel cleaners sold for powder burners (meant to dissolve burnt on podwer deposits and copper) aren't necessary
I;d say if you can't lay your hands on brake or carb cleaner, alcohol would be the next best thing (not a pint of guinness )