Braxton Taylor
Proper firearm maintenance is essential for ensuring safety, reliability, and longevity. One question that often arises among gun owners is whether WD-40, a common household lubricant and water-displacing spray, can be used to clean and maintain firearms.
WD-40 is renowned for its versatility in various applications, but using it on guns is a topic of hot debate. While some of our staff may use it prior to going shooting in a heavy rainstorm, nobody at Sporting Systems recommends using WD-40 to clean a gun.
What is WD-40?
WD-40 stands for “Water Displacement, 40th formula,” originally developed in 1953 to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion. It’s a water-displacing agent that also acts as a light lubricant, penetrating oil, and cleaner.
WD-40 is well known for its ability to prevent rust, loosen stuck parts, and remove grease. However, despite these qualities, its use as a dedicated firearm cleaner is controversial.
Why Some Gun Owners Consider Using WD-40
Many gun owners are drawn to WD-40 because of its widespread availability and versatility. Since it’s marketed as a cleaner, lubricant, and corrosion inhibitor, some believe it can double as a firearm maintenance product.
Its ability to displace moisture makes it especially tempting for those who want to protect their guns from rust after exposure to water or humidity. However, there are significant downsides to using WD-40 on firearms.
Problems with Using WD-40 to Clean Guns
While WD-40 has its merits for certain tasks, using it as a gun cleaner or lubricant comes with some risks:
Residue Buildup: One of the biggest problems with WD-40 is that it leaves a sticky residue over time. This can attract dust, dirt, and debris, which may lead to malfunctions in the gun’s moving parts. Over time, this gunk can cause jamming or misfires.
Impact on Gun Components: WD-40 is not designed for the materials used in firearms. For example, wooden gun stocks, plastic grips, and rubber seals can all be damaged by WD-40’s chemical composition. The solvent properties in WD-40 can weaken these materials, leading to cracks or degradation.
Lubrication vs. Cleaning: WD-40 is a short-term lubricant, but it’s not designed for long-term lubrication of high-friction areas like the moving parts of a gun. Specialized gun oils are formulated to endure the intense conditions of firing a gun, whereas WD-40 will quickly break down, offering limited protection.
What Gun Experts and Manufacturers Say
The overwhelming consensus among gun experts and manufacturers is to avoid using WD-40 as a primary gun cleaning and maintenance product. Most gun makers provide detailed cleaning instructions that involve the use of specialized gun solvents and oils that are specifically designed to clean, lubricate, and protect firearms.
Proper Gun Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
Let’s dive into the correct method for cleaning and maintaining a gun:
Disassembly: Always make sure the gun is unloaded before disassembling it. This step is crucial for accessing the barrel, bolt, and other internal parts.
Cleaning the Barrel: Use a bore brush and gun solvent to scrub out any carbon, lead, or copper fouling from the inside of the barrel. Follow up with a patch soaked in solvent and a cleaning rod to remove debris.
Lubrication of Moving Parts: Apply a light coat of gun oil or CLP to the action and other moving parts. Be careful not to over-lubricate, as too much oil can attract dust and dirt.
Rust Prevention: After cleaning and lubrication, apply a light coat of protective oil to the metal surfaces of your firearm. This will help prevent rust, especially if the gun is stored for extended periods.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your gun remains in excellent working condition without the risks associated with using WD-40.
Alternatives to WD-40 for Gun Maintenance
There are plenty of alternatives to WD-40 that are specifically formulated for firearms, ensuring better long-term protection and performance:
– CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant) is a three-in-one product used by the military and law enforcement, designed for cleaning carbon buildup, lubricating the moving parts, and protecting the firearm from corrosion.
– Hoppes No. 9 is a classic gun cleaner well known for breaking down fouling from gunpowder, lead, and copper, while also leaving a protective coating.
– Ballistol is known for its versatility. It can be used on firearms and other metal objects, providing lubrication and protection against rust.
– Break-Free CLP is another popular choice, offering superior cleaning and lubrication properties.
Using these specialized products ensures that your firearm is not only cleaned but also lubricated properly for safe operation.
Myths and Misconceptions About WD-40 and Guns
Some common misconceptions about using WD-40 on firearms include:
WD-40 as a rust preventer: While it can be used to remove rust from a gun, it’s not recommended for preventing rust. WD-40 provides a short-term barrier against moisture, but it’s not as effective as dedicated gun lubricants and protectants.
WD-40 as a cleaner: WD-40 can dissolve light grime, but it doesn’t remove fouling from carbon, lead, or copper like specialized gun solvents.
These myths persist because of WD-40’s versatility in other areas, but firearms require more specialized care.
While WD-40 is a great all-purpose tool for household tasks, it’s not the best choice for cleaning or lubricating firearms. Over time, it can cause residue buildup, damage sensitive materials, and fail to provide the long-term lubrication needed for safe and effective firearm operation.
For proper gun care, always use products designed specifically for firearms. By following a dedicated cleaning and maintenance routine, you’ll ensure that your gun functions properly, stays rust-free, and lasts for years to come.
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